Thriller !

Michael Jackson - Thriller was the first narrative music video that was extended to a short film. The video was adapted many times with the longest length of around 14 minutes. Micheal Jackson's many talents were shown through this video and it was voted the most influential pop music video of all time. It was proved to have a profound effect on pop culture.

The video was choreographed by Michael Peters and Michael Jackson.

Madonna

Madonna is one the most influential pop artists in history. She tackled different issues in society through her music and was definately a non- conformist who was willing to challenge the whole pop industry. This is similar to our chosen artist Lily Allen who stated that she used the situations of people around her to influence her music. She also gives off a cheeky and rebellious personality that she in known well for. 
Madonna's sexual persona and her ability to perform with such passion has contributed to the status that she has today. Her triple threat talent has gained her many awards; her performance in 'Evita' (1996) won her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in Motion Picture.

Modern artists such as Lady Gaga have clearly seen her as an inspiration as shown through their videos and their passion to challenge mainstream pop music through lyrics and performance.

Madonna - 'Like a Virgin' Blonde Ambition Tour

Influences from the past.

The term 'Pop Music' originated from an abbreviation of the word 'popular'. Pop music is generally marketable and memorable and is known for its ability to attract listeners because of its versitility, derived from a plethora of years of musical influences. This genre has evolved and has branched out into many sub-genres, that still have some conventions of generic pop music but have also adopted other musical styles or genres to create a new, contemporary sound.

Many modern artists have clear influences from older musicians whether it be in sound or style.

Florence Welch of  'Florence and the Machine' has a distinctive similarity to Kate Bush.

Though Florence has a 'folk' feel to her songs and Kate Bush, a more 'alternative' sound they can both share a common genre, Baroque pop.

Baroque pop / English baroque originated in the mid 1960s it brought elements of classical music into the writing and recording of rock 'n' roll music. Artist of this style used instruments not traditionally used in rock music such as the oboe and cello.
       



Though not as imaculate and mellow as Kate Bush's, Florence's performace does really mirror many aspects of it.