Normally, I'm not one to pay too close attention to music videos these days. This is largely due to the fact that MTV and VH1 have decided to fill the airwaves with non-sense, reality television shows. But luckily for my sake, I was doing my usual late night internet surfing and came across Kanye West's, "Welcome to Heartbreak" music video from his latest album 808's and Heartbreak.
Not only was this one of my favorite songs from the album, but I was intrigued to watch the video because of West's choice to release the video early. He decided to release it early from hearing that another artist was trying to use the same pixel-morphing technique. When I first started watching, I thought perhaps the video was bad quality - until it continued to play and realized that the distorted images, and disconnected construction was entirely on purpose.
Directed by Nabil Elderkin, this video possesses a truly genuine, never seen before technique. And although distorted with several methods of computer generated graphics, everything is in sync. The visuals perfectly match the beats and give it its well deserved impact. "Welcome to Heartbreak" is a video about how he has missed out on starting a family, having children, and being with family while living his famous lifestyle.
As much as I think Kanye West is incredibly conceited and for the most part, a cocky asshole, this video is well worth applauding. I have never seen a video that was so visually entertaining, and heartfelt. This video is a perfect parallel for the subject matter for the song. I found myself re-watching the video several times and losing myself in a trance by the end of it. The emotion that is exerted through these images and the remarkable relationship between sound and visuals makes for a video worth recognizing.
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Maybe it's just me, but I don't get anything out of this video. It's actually pretty distracting because it just looks like there was a problem with an upload.
ReplyDeleteIn a way it's kind of an interesting concept.. turning something so hated by anyone who has ever watched a youtube video and attempting to turn it into something relevant. Pretty sneaky, Kanye.
But overall, I don't think Kanye has ever made the most visionary choices in terms of his music videos and this doesn't seem any different.
The style seemed very interesting. I love the pixelated "Shitty video quality" they decided to go with.
ReplyDeleteIts funny because as of now only our generation can really identify with that style. It reminded me of trying to watch an HD video on a crappy computer. Definitely a nod to people who like to "download" media :P