Music Video Analysis: The Pussycat Dolls - 'Don't Cha'

The song titled 'Don't Cha' by The Pussycat Dolls was their first song to be released nationally. From the title alone, it is clear to understand that much of the video will be focused on voyeuristic imagery and allowing the target audience to learn about each of the members within the band individually. By focusing on shots of each of the girls, not only does it help the record label in terms of how the artist is sold, but as it is the band's first song it allows each of the girls to show the audience a bit about themselves.

Extreme Long Shot - The Pussycat Dolls

As seen in the image to the left, the first time all of the girls are presented on screen is shown through an extreme long-shot.  This has been done to show the target audience the whole package of the band members and advertise them thoroughly for the first time as a group.  Accordingly, as Busta Rhymes features on the track, his costume makes him stand out from the girls around him as he is seen to be wearing a red top in contrast to the girls, wearing more subtle colours such as black and white.  This particular costume has been chosen for Busta Rhymes due to the girls just starting out in the music industry.  Moreover, as Busta Rhymes was known for many years before, by making him stand out reveals to the audience that The Pussycat Dolls are already collaborating with huge artists.

Nicole Scherzinger - Positioning

Similarly, this idea of status within the industry is depicted again when the main Pussycat Doll, Nicole Scherzinger, is positioned on screen behind Busta Rhymes.
The fact that she is on screen alone with him stresses her importance within the band and emphasises the fact that she is the main singer.  However, Busta Rhymes remains to be in front of her which reveals that at that particular time, she was not as big as him in terms of being an artist.  Again, colour has been used to clearly resemble the importance of the artists as Nicole is dressed in neutral colours such as black and white, whilst Busta Rhymes is presented in strong, vibrant reds.

Medium Shot - Lyrics and Visuals

One of Goodwin's theories related to the ideologies based around the relationship between lyrics and visuals.  Within the first thirty seconds of 'Don't Cha' by The Pussycat Dolls, this connection has already been established.  Nicole Scherzinger sings the words 'lets dance' and the image displayed on screen is of her dancing, focusing directly into the camera.  In terms of illustrating, amplifying or contradicting the song, I would argue that the visuals illustrate the lyrics.  This is because the visuals clarify what the lyrics are revealing, but do not go as far as taking what is seen on screen to the next level.  This differs from 'Waterfalls'  by TLC as a lot of the representation between lyrics and visuals is amplified, for example when the band members evolve from waterfall figures.

Lyrics and Visuals 

Within the rap that Busta Rhymes starts the song off with, there is another clear reference to lyrics and visuals.  This is conveyed through a medium shot in which Busta Rhymes brings his arm nearer to the camera, presenting emphasis on his watch.  The lyrics of the song 'only diamonds under my sleeve' reveal that he is showing the camera and the audience the diamonds around his watch.
Furthermore, as the music video progresses, another example is presented on screen.

Close-Up Shot - 'Fun'

This is when the lyrics 'don't cha wish your girlfriend was fun' are being sung and there is a close-up shot revealing a member of the group winking.  Connotations for winking involve being cheeky, playful and flirtatious which directly relate to the meaning behind the lyrics.  Again, these two examples illustrate the relationship between lyrics and visuals.

Like all of the other videos I have analysed, 'Don't Cha' has prime examples in which the whole group are seen dancing together doing strict choreographed moves.  This relates to Goodwin's theory regarding the belief that music videos demonstrate clear genre characteristics.  

Choreographed Routine

More specifically, this genre characteristic relates to girl groups having distinctive choreographed routines within their music video.The particular dance routine is frequently on screen throughout the chorus of the song, and from previous research, this appears to be true of most girl group music videos.  This is partially due to different girls singing different lyrics and versus throughout the rest of the song ad therefore the camera focuses on that particular individual rather than the whole group.

Music and Visuals - Lights Off

In terms of music and visuals, 'Don't Cha' has a very strong beat in which what is presented on screen dynamically relates to it.

Music and Visuals - Lights On

For example, there is layer which visualises the girls walking down some stairs with huge performance lights at either side of the staircase.
The lights flash from on to off, flashing on when a particular beat is heard.

Close-Up Shot

The Pussycat Dolls' video 'Don't Cha' has a lot of close-up shots of the girls, especially Nicole Scherzinger.  This is both typical of girl band music videos and also the demands of the record label.  Images of the girls are great for advertisement for their video and also helps to sell the girls as artists.  In addition, this particular theory that Goodwin imposed in extremely important in this case.  

Close-Up Shot

This is due to 'Don't Cha'  being the first single that The Pussycat Dolls released so it was vital that they followed distinct guidelines that record labels enforce as they would want to receive as many purchases of the song as possible.  This is similar to what is seen within both 'Survivor' by Destiny's Child and 'Waterfalls' by TLC as there are clear, prominent close-up shots of each of the girls individually.

Revealing Clothing

 Lastly, Goodwin spoke about voyeuristic imagery and exposure of the female body.  He continued to suggest that music videos have a tendency to objectify women and exploit them in terms of their physical appearance.  Due to the lyrics, title and meaning behind this song, 'Don't Cha' represents this theory a lot, as the song itself is about luring men in and being attractive to them in terms of appearance.

Revealing Shots

This is shown through the girls wearing revealing clothing, such as belly tops and tight shorts or skirts which expose their female qualities. Presenting these images on screen is the use of close-up shots which focus directly on the clothing the members of The Pussycat Dolls are wearing.  However, the clothing that the girls are wearing is not completely minimal (i.e. they are not depicted through over-exposed tops or clothing made of flimsy material).  This decision may have been due the video being The Pussycat Dolls' first, and therefore not wanting to portray them in an immediate exploitative way.
Overall
Overall, from analysing 'Don't Cha' by The Pussycat Dolls it is clear to see that the music video type is performance.  There is no concept aspect involved in the video at all, and the only times that narrative is viewed on screen is when there is a clear link between lyrics and visuals.