Thursday, 4 July 2013

Stevie Wonder - Part Time Lover

Artist: Stevie Wonder
Song: Part Time Lover
Album: In Square Circle
Release: 1985
Label: Tamla
Genre: R&B, Soul, Pop



The video begins with live performance, which Goodwin suggests of the hard rock/metal genre. However Stevie obviously doesn't fit into either of these. Perhaps the area where the fusion between Goodwin's suggestion and Stevie Wonder takes place is to do with the location. Stevie is in a club, whereas the majority of hard rock or metal bands would be shot on stage. This also emphasises the synth-pop part of the song, which fits another of Goodwin's suggestions, the idea that the music fits the visuals. For Goodwin, this video may break the mold and go against some of his theories. In terms of representation this could suggest that black people enjoy breaking the mold and introducing new or controversial (50 Cent..) factors in both their music and the videos. It could also show how black people are usually in the minority (in this case in genre).

The club is full of both white and black people. By this time racism in American had died down but there were certainly still remnants left over. Perhaps this video is making a political statement about racial equality. There could even be an aspect of black supremacy, as the best dancers are all black. However this is probably because black people are generally better dancers than white.

Slightly low tilted angles are often used on Stevie. This helps to reinforce the ideas of equality and also show Stevie as the most important person in the video. Stevie's disability has zero effect in this video, and rightly so. Stevie is an icon and inspiration of how disability doesn't alter talent. Stevie also is the most lit person, and is in front of neon coloured lights. This is a reflection of his personality both on and off stage.

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