2. •
Music Videos
A music video’s purpose is to provide a visual element that will accompany an audio soundtrack. In the form of a video, that
video’
soundtrack is played and a media product is played displaying actors and features of the music. Instead of simply listening
to a song, the audience can watch a song visually.
• Within music videos, representation is key factor as it allows reality to be re-created and presented in order to portray or
convey a narrative or moral message. Real life situations and people are placed into the visual form of a video,
accompanied by the soundtrack, not only for the purpose of entertainment but some may suggest to convey a message.
The main aspects of representation include age; gender; ability/disability; ethnicity; sexuality and regional identity. Different
artists and producers create different styles of music, so therefore what they portray through a music video varies. Each
have their own views, so therefore what type of representation they choose to include will be dependent on their personal
views and opinions. The audience will be able to relate to the content of the video, linking their own life with the one they
can see in the video.
• An example of representation being displayed through a music video is Teenagers by My Chemical Romance (
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6EQAOmJrbw). The lyrics portray the idea that teenagers are always seen in a negative
light – the stereotype that they will bring chaos and cause trouble in society. The music video features teenagers uniting and
coming together, with the use of gas marks connoting war and disruption as well as the use of the colours black and red
displaying evil and danger. All these features help and add to the representation of teenagers in this particular music video.
• Additionally promotion is an important aspect of music videos as it allows the producers to sell their product in an effective
way, reaching the widest audience possible. By promoting their production through various forms such as posters and
band/artist merchandise, music videos can gain popularity as more and more people are aware of it. Additionally, television
music stations such as MTV play recent and popular music which help get new releases heard and noticed by consumers.
Furthermore, social networking sites help promote new releases as well as sites such as YouTube where new releases are
advertised behind videos that the viewer is watching, raising awareness of the music.
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3. Music Videos
• The sale of CDs and DVDs allows for music videos to be transferred into a portable form and helps promote
the sale of the product. For example, when a track is burned onto a CD physical format it can be sold in
shops and online to paying customers who can then use the music on a number of technologies, i.e. ipods
and cd players. Producers can also include bonus tracks and extra material in their CD package which can
help promote the music artist. DVDs can also help the sale of the media product as companies can feature
live recordings of concerts which may appeal to the target audience, even enticing them to go see the band
or artist live.
• Music videos can also be used in relation to film and television programmes. Not only can music channels
broadcast music to a viewing audience but producers can bring more attention, popularity and ultimately
more sales by letting the music track be played through the form of film and television programmes.
Additionally, by releasing a music video linked to a film that has recently been released, i.e. a song in the
soundtrack, producers can widen their audience. If the consumers enjoy the song in the film, they are likely
to want to listen to it outside of the motion picture so therefore making it easily identifiable and linked to the
film will help its success. For example, Paramore’s ‘Decode’ is set in a similar and recognisable setting and
Paramore’ Decode’
features scenes from the film Twilight. Footage from the film is featured in the video to show explicitly the link
between film and music.
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvnkAtWcKYg
4. ‘Hey There Delilah’ by The Plain White T’s
• For the textual analysis, me and my partner have decided to
use the music video for Plain White T’s song ‘Hey There Delilah’. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbJtYqBYCV8
Released in 2006, the acoustic track shows the relationship of a
male and female which is portrayed in a somewhat emotional and
negative style - for example, darker colours used suggest
depressing, lonely or dismal feelings.
• This music video features a lot of codes and conventions which may
contribute to it being a successful media product. Firstly, the dress codes of the
two main actors within the video portray a lot about the narrative and the song
itself. The main singer, who is also the guy in the relationship, wears very plain
and casual clothing such as a t-shirt, jeans and trainers. This relaxed and
everyday style could enforce the idea that anybody and everybody can be
affected by relationships yet the world still carries on regardless of personal
difficulties. The colours used are neutral such as beige and brown which may
suggest that the male is feeling calm about the situation. Contrastingly the
female in the video wears clothes such as tights, denim skirt and a jacket with
the hood up. The style is casual, similar to her male counterpart, however the
colours used are colder - grey, blue and black. This could suggest that the girl is
feeling lonely and distant, and as she applies dark eye makeup in the narrative
she could be wanting to hide or conceal her true feelings and emotions.
• Furthermore, the lead singer is lip synching which looks professional in addition to playing the guitar which also
adds to the verisimilitude. The narrative shows him either sitting casually playing the guitar or wandering around his
apartment. This could show how he may feel lost inside an empty apartment without his girlfriend/lover.
Contrastingly the girl appears lost and lonely as she walks around a big city, frequently looking about her. This
juxtaposition between inside and outside locations could be employed to portray how people can struggle with their
feelings, experiencing loneliness no matter where they are or who they are surrounded by - a bustling city or their
own home.
5. ‘Hey There Delilah’ by The Plain White T’s
• A key aspect when analysing this music video is the meaning of “ Hey there Delilah, I know
the song. By looking at the lyrics, it can be suggested through the times are getting hard
chosen words that the song is about a male and female who are
experiencing a long distance relationship. The girl is said to be in But just believe me ”
New York whilst the guy has gone away to study music - he girl, someday I'll pay
wrote the song for her to remind her that they will be together one the bills with this
day when he’s a successful music artist. guitar
• Throughout the song he compliments his lover and has a positive
outlook that they will be together in the end despite the struggles
they are facing now. It could be suggested perhaps that the song
reflects a letter, as if the guy is writing to her to remind her to look on
the bright side. However, like a letter, and like a song, everything
comes to an end at some point which could reflect their relationship
- how eventually it will come to an end as a result of their
circumstances. As their relationship is geographically challenged,
their lives are going two separate ways and they will have to come
to terms each other growing apart.
• This song is similar to
Secondhand Serenade -
our chosen song - as it
features the theme of
relationships and distance.
6. ‘Hey There Delilah’ by The Plain White T’s
• The narrative of ‘Hey There Delilah’ is fiction as it shows actors/actresses re-
presenting reality. Additionally, it is linear as it shows the progression of the
relationship as well as the song in a logical fashion. It features a parallel storyline as
the video shows two people in separate locations at the same time, through the use
of split screens. This could also enforce how they have to get on with their lives
regardless of what the other person is doing or feeling.
• The video is shown through split screen with either two or three different frames
displayed at a time. This does not show a firm structure as the frames are shown at
different times and vary in size and orientation - the lack of structure could reflect their
relationship. Furthermore, the scenes change and do not cut on a regular beat so this
could also enforce the idea that the irregular structure to video is simply portraying the
irregular structure of the couple. It could also be suggested that as they are far apart the
distance has made them lose what once was firm and strong, to something that lacks
formation.
• The camera tracks the girl’s movements as she walks around the city.
She features in a lot of long shots which also display the urban location,
making the audience aware that the couple are in two completely
different settings. There are a lot of close ups of the male which not only
shows that he singing but helps the audience better understand his
emotions through his facial expressions and body language.
• Additionally, in the apartment the camera movement is steady and smooth however when focusing on the girl in the city
the camera has a very shaky movement. This can perhaps show how he has a calm and positive outlook on their
relationship whereas for her it is chaotic and turbulent - her emotions may be more negative as she struggles with the
distance or the idea of a long distance relationship.
7. ‘Hey There Delilah’ by The Plain White T’s
• This video may appeal to the target audience as it portrays a relationship of a young couple so therefore
the target audience of teenagers or young adults may be able to relate to the content and identify with the
characters shown. Furthermore, the ending is ambiguous so the audience can make their own ending as to
how they want it to play out. By leaving it up to the audience to decide what happens with the couple, the
listeners may form their own view in a way that helps them connect to the song. The narrative does not give
a lot away about the personalities of the couple and there is a lack of obvious portrayal of emotions
especially from the girl. This therefore leaves it up to the audience to decide and form a view of how the girl
feels, and whether it is the same as the guy. Due to their age differences (it was hinted the girl was still in
school) then they may not feel the same in terms of the relationship.
8. ‘Like We Used To’ - by A Rocket To
The Moon
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=US46cHVj0-M&feature=relmfu
• This acoustic rock track released in 2009 and has a slight upbeat style but the video portrays an eventful
narrative that displays a boy reminiscing a past relationship and how he possibly regrets it ending.
• The music video features a variety of codes and conventions which may contribute to it being a successful
media product. Firstly, the dress code of the male who is both singer and main actor is very casual - he
wears jeans and a white t-shirt at the beginning of the narrative. As he wears the white colour at the start
of the narrative where he is with his ex-girlfriend it could connote innocence and purity of their relationship
when they were at their happiest. As the narrative progresses the scenes change so therefore the actors
are wearing different clothes. Towards the centre of the narrative the main guy is still in casual attire
wearing a checked shirt and denim jacket. This contrasts with the suit and blazer he wears when
performing on stage, showing him as part of the crowd as well as the one providing the music at the same
event. Similarly, the girl in the video also has a casual style and can be described a stereotypical as she
has blonde hair and girly fashion sense, wearing colours such as pink and purple as well as white at the
start of the narrative (innocence/purity). The girl’s new boyfriend who is featured mainly in the middle of
the narrative wears the colour black which could connote evil and negative emotions - helping the
audience identify that the singer lost his girlfriend to this new guy, who they are not supposed to feel any
positive feelings for but evoke sympathy for the main singer.
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9. ‘Like We Used To’ - by A Rocket To
The Moon
• Furthermore the lead singer lip synchs the music track
and also sings directly to the camera as well as acting
within his role. This makes the audience feel like he is
singing directly to them and could create a connection
between singer and listener. It could also be argued it
makes the song more personal, as it is like he is telling
the audience his story and emotions as he
experiences different events which the narrative
reveals.
• The body language between the couple portrays a lot
about their relationship. At the beginning of the
narrative they are close, messing around and enjoying
each others company explicitly displayed by their
mannerisms with each other and their facial
expressions. As the video progresses to a time when
they are no longer together and the girl has a new
boyfriend, their body language towards each other is a
lot more reserved and distant as opposed to how they
once were. There is still a slight connection between
them but they both chose to move on - they keep
looking at each other at the outside event/they talk to
each other. Cutaways in the video also show other
couples at the event with close and comfortable body
language, which could help emphasize how the main
couple in this video are no longer close.
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10. ‘Like We Used To’ - by A Rocket To
The Moon
• Similar to ‘Hey There Delilah’ this song features a couple dealing with a relationship that may not be going to plan. It is the
memory of the lead singer/actor who reflects on a past relationship. From the chosen lyrics and what is portrayed in the music
video, it could be suggested that he regrets the relationship ending and he misses the girl.
“If only it were me instead of him”
“Will he love you like I loved you?”
“Will he tell you every day?”
• It appears that he doesn’t want the girl to move on, yet the narrative shows how they both get on with their lives at the end of
the day. At the end of the narrative, it shows a new girl with the lead singer so it is not only the girl who has moved on. Despite
this, the song hints that his new relationship is not the one he really wants but he’s doing what he can to move on and accept
that they are not together.
• Furthermore, the props and setting portray a lot about the song. The vintage style and colours used in the bedroom scene at
the beginning of the video emphasize the memory and recollection, making it appear older and distant yet original.
Additionally, in the room there are empty photo frames, vases without flowers and a lamp without a lamp shade. These props
help make the bedroom appear more vintage however it could be argued that these props are employed to indicate that as
things are missing, memories are fading piece by piece which reflects their relationship slowly deteriorating. There is also the
use of an old TV and camera which help further portray the memories are old and far away from the couple. The bed in the
room is blue which could connote calmness as well as sadness - they are unaware of the course of events that is creeping up
on them. Moreover, the use of outside settings could suggest that the emotions are experienced wherever you are. As they
are at an outside party/event surrounded by people it emphasizes the connection they once had as they could be spending
time with others yet seem to choose each other to spend some of their night with despite having different feelings/emotions.
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11. Digi-Pack: Under My Skin
By Avril Lavigne
• In addition to looking at music videos, me and my partner also looked into the digi-
packs - the albums the artists release in order to sell their product in a physical format.
The first album we looked into was one by Avril Lavigne titled ‘Under My Skin’
(featured left). Avril Lavigne is a female rock music artist who is typically known for her
grungey style, which can be argued is portrayed through her album cover. Firstly, the
colours used on the front of the digi-pack are very dark, using black, grey and then
contrasting this with the colour red. Black and grey tones can be suggested convey
negative and dark feelings, whereas the red not only brings a pop of colour to the
cover but could hint at emotions such as love or danger.
• By analysing Avril’s body language and facial expression, it appears the photograph
is staged as she poses in a neutral manner. Her facial expression does not give much
away about how she is feeling or any clear emotions she is trying to get across to the
The purpose of an album cover is to audience, so therefore she appears very neutral and expressionless. One may argue
attract an audience so therefore Avril’s that her disinterested or detached facial expression may juxtapose her songs which
album has to stand out on the shelf. As are full of emotion, as Avril expresses herself more through her music as opposed to
many people buying her music may posing in front of a camera. Her body language is not as easy to depict as the midshot
already be existing fans the artwork only allows for her upper body and face to be featured. However, her body is staged
may not be as important, however for at an angle from the side which once again shows she may be disinterested, but could
people looking for new music the also display the red ‘X’ on her arm more easily and explicitly to the audience. Despite
artwork may play a large role as it her body not facing the camera, she turns her head and has eye contact with the
portrays an image of the artist which audience. This could further convey that she has the attention of the viewer/listener
reflects their music. Avril’s album cover but does not give anything away in terms of expression.
reflects a rock/punk/grunge style which
people may assume her music will
sound like.
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12. • Furthermore, Avril wears the colour black which could also connote a lack
of emotion or negative feelings. It is hard to clearly see what costume she
has on, however it appears to be of a ‘grungey’ style. She wears a big skirt
which is often associated with a more girly fashion and could even be
described as a ballerina’s tutu, yet this feminity is contrasted with the black
colour and braces. The red ‘X’ on the costume’s arm could connote love or
danger, however it is hard to tell simply from the cover. The title of the album
is called ‘Under My Skin’ which hints at the idea of someone really liking or
knowing someone well, or alternatively someone irritating another and
getting ‘under their skin’. In a more literal sense, to get ‘under the skin’
physically it could mean using an injection to penetrate the epidermis, which
if you take from the image the red X could somewhat mark the point of entry
where someone or something might get to her physically or emotionally.
• Avril’s makeup is dark which conforms to her rock/grunge image and her
hair is long and straight which also shows a slight feminine side.
• Furthermore, the overall style of the album cover is dark and rough as the
edges of the booklet are edited to appear damaged and imperfect. This could
reflect how Avril is feeling and what she may express in her songs. The font
used is additionally very imperfect, with varying sizes and thickness of the
individual letters. Parts of the letters have been edited out to create an
imperfect title which also helps emphasize a style and even attitude that not
very everything has to be immaculate and precise. Both the colours black
and red are used which cohere to the main image. ‘Under My Skin’ is in red
font so therefore the emphasis is placed more heavily upon the title of the
album, or arguably what Avril Lavigne is trying to express through her music.
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13. • The grungey theme featured on the cover remains throughout the whole digi-pack and even on the physical disc. The red X
which is from one of the costumes Avril wears is part of the disc design which keeps a house style running throughout the whole
media product. The disc is also black and red which keeps in theme with the album and dark colours are used for the images inside
the booklet. Inside the digi-pack there are lyrics which accompany the tracks on the CD so the audience can read the words whilst
they listen to Avril sing them. Each set of lyrics is accompanied by a different picture which shows a staged shot of the music artist.
She wears different costumes, ranging from a red tutu to casual t-shirt and jeans which portray a rock/punk image contrasted
against a more laid-back style. The imperfect and damaged style of the booklet can also be seen throughout, emphasizing that not
everything has to be structured or flawless. The same font is used with the lyrics which also adds to the house style, in addition to
being used on the back of the album where the tracks are listed.
The images of Avril will appeal to the target audience and those who enjoy her music, providing visual entertainment and images to
look at in addition to listening and enjoying her songs.
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14. Digi-pack: Sinners Never Sleep
By You Me At Six
• The next digi-pack me and my partner looked at was ‘Sinners Never Sleep’ by the rock
band You Me At Six. Contrasting to Avril Lavigne’s album, this cover does not feature the
band members on the front yet has a staged image of a person holding a sign with the title
of the album and band name. The cover does not give a lot of information away about the
album, as it does not feature images of the band or people with facial expression or evident
body language. Similar to the previous digi-pack cover, Sinners Never Sleep uses dark and
neutral tones which may not appear eye catching on the shelf. However, its ambiguity and
lack of information and image may make the album seem more appealing as people want to
pick it up to find out what it may include, especially those unfamiliar to the artist/band. The
use of black and brown in a sort of sepia effect makes the album appear neutral and
indifferent, however this could place more focus upon the title of the album which is placed
in the centre of the cover. The model featured wears dark nail varnish which could suggest it
is a female which contrasts against the all male band. The sign which the model is holding
could refer to a police image/photograph which criminals hold up with their details on. This is
later featured in the digi-pack where each band member holds up their board for
photographs.
• The font used on the cover is white which shows up against the dark background, which
could connote innocence and purity. This white may be used to juxtapose the name of the
album, the innocence contrasted against ‘sinners’ who may better be referred to with the
colours red or black.
• The disc itself keeps to the same neutral and basic theme with a black background and
white text. The font stays the same throughout to keep a housestyle throughout the media
product.
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15. • Throughout this digi-pack there is the running theme of crime and conviction. The
booklet involves images of the band posing as criminals, holding up boards for the
LAPD. This could refer to the title as the band members may have sinned so
therefore are being punished by the law and society for their wrongdoings.
Furthermore the digi-pack appears to lack any colour apart from black, white and
neutral tones so therefore it could suggest that the law has now stripped all the fun
and excitement out of their lives. The lack of colour could also be argued juxtaposes
the music - the album may appear neutral and not very exciting whereas their music
will be doing the expressing of their emotions. Additionally, the digi-pack features a
variety of images of the band as well as pictures such as fingerprints and head shots
which all contribute to the theme of crime.
• The band members are wearing casual clothing which suggests their casual and
laid-back attitudes they have. Their expressions are neutral as they look at the
camera for their picture, however some hold the board and hold their body language
differently - some appear as if they care more than others.
• Not only does the digi-pack feature the main CD but also a DVD for their track
‘Bite My Tongue’ which is on a contrasting white disc with black writing. By
incorporating a DVD within the digi-pack it allows the audience to watch
features about the band and watch live perfomances, providing something
more visual as opposed to just audio. Including a bonus disc as a DVD it may
entice more people to buy it as they may be more interested in this added
extra.
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16. • The images in the digi-pack appear to be staged, and this one (left)
especially shows all five band members posing for the camera. They
are arranged so the main focus falls on the lead singer who is in the
centre of the image, with the light highlighting the faces of the band.
They are wearing dark clothes which could connote evil or negativity,
which once again could relate to them being ‘sinners’. Their
expressions are neutral and provide the audience with an idea that they
do not care. These images of the band will appeal to all fans of You Me
At Six as it provides the audience with visual images of the band in a
creative way. By making them appear as ‘criminals’ or ‘sinners’ then
they appear bad, going against the rules in what may come across a
‘cool’ way.
• Furthermore, the digi-pack also includes the lyrics of the tracks. Dissimilar to
Avril Lavigne’s album, the lyrics are not accompanied by images of the band.
This may be because pictures and photographs of the band are featured
separately in different sections of the digi-pack and this section focuses solely
on the lyrics. The background is plain and white and font used appears very
plain too, which helps the audience read the words without too much
distraction from creative flair that some producers/artists like to incorporate.
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17. Magazine Advertisement: Hold
Me Down By You Me At Six
• In addition to the music video and digi-pack we also analysed magazine
advertisements for the release of an album. Firstly we looked at an
advertisement for You Me At Six’s album ‘Hold Me Down’. The advert has been
created digitally as opposed to using photographs or original images of the
band. The advert is very colourful and eyecatching so therefore when someone
is flicking through a magazine it serves the purpose of grabbing their attention.
However, if a person did not know who You Me At Six was this advert may not
appeal to them because the image does not convey anything about the band or
their music. On the other hand, some may argue that the interesting image is
ambiguous and may leave them interested to find out more about the music
artist that the image is promoting.
• The image featured on the advert is the same image that is featured on the
album cover, so when people see the advert they immediately relate to the
physical album. The same font and title is used both on the advertisement and
on the album, so therefore the target audience can create an immediate link
between the real thing and the promotion of the album. On the advertisement, it
provides the information that the album is already out so therefore a potential
buyer can easily locate the right album by the identical image.
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18. • Moreover, the design of the advertisement works well at
capturing the attention of the potential audience as a result
of its creativity and colours.
• The background colour of the advert and also album is a
dark green which somewhat reflects a military style as a
result of this chosen colour. Lighter shades of green and
different tones of green are used in the main image for what
appears to be leaves to accompany orange/red flowers.
Yellows are used in addition to blue so therefore the colours
used vary greatly and contrast against eachother which
creates a bold image that stands out. The colour white is
also used which helps to merge everything together and also
is the background colour to the text on the page. This helps
the text stand out and be clear for the audience against the
creative background. As a result of the varying colours it can
be argued that they are used simply to capture the
audience’s attention as well as making the image colourful
and interesting.
• The main image itself is very hard to depict what it actually
consists of, however it can be made out that there are
flowers and some sort of wings which could relate to the title
- ‘Hold Me Down’ juxtaposing wings that enable things to fly.
• The advertisement itself doesn’t provide a lot of information
and features mainly the image and album artwork.
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19. Magazine Advertisement: Foo
Fighters’ Greatest Hits
• Next, me and my partner analysed Foo Fighter’s magazine
advertisement for the release of their greatest hits. Similar to the
previous magazine advertisement this one does not feature a
photograph or image of the band however has the Foo Fighter’s
logo in the centre of the page. By placing the emphasis on the
logo rather than have images of the band the target audience
might be able to recognise their logo and immediately associate it
with the band. Additionally, the name of the band is featured at
the top of the advertisement so for those who are unfamiliar with
the band know what the advert is for.
• When you first look at this poster, your eyes are drawn to the
logo. It is a circle with the FF initials which represent Foo
Fighters. The background colour is red, which can connote
danger which can easily be related to the idea of ‘fighters’ in
which physical violence is associated. Red is also a bright and
vivid colour which can capture the attention of the potential
audience, making their logo and their band stand out from the
rest. Behind the logo, the background is an off-white colour which
helps the logo and the next stand out as there isn’t a colour
clash. The background appears to look llike metal or even
material (hard to tell) that has been pinned up. This adds interest
and variation to the background through the unusual texture,
however it is quite minimal so therefore does not disrupt the
advertisement.
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20. • Furthermore, the font used for the initials of the logo do not
correspond to the font used for the name of the band and
name of album. This could be used to show variation between
the fonts as well as making the logo appear more distinct and
different. The font used for the band name and album title is
very unique as it adds a creative twist to certain letters, such
as the ‘O’, ‘G’ and ‘E’. This allows the text to be noticeable
and if a fan saw the typeface they might immediately
associate it with this particular band, which helps boost the
band’s popularity as more people are aware of who they are
and what their distinct style is. The font colour is black similar
to the logo which keeps a theme within the advert. Black
could enforce the idea of strength and negativity (evil) which
could promote the band’s music style i.e. rock.
• The bottom quarter of the A4 advertisement has a black
background and white font. This breaks up the page and also
provides the information about the album release in one small
section which is easy to read and easy to identify. The
advertisement includes information about the album release
including the date, what formats it is available in as well as
some of the songs the album will have. By mentioning what
tracks are on the album fans or listeners may be enticed to
buy the album because it has songs they enjoy. Furthermore
as it is Foo Fighter’s ‘Greatest Hits’ it is going to have all the
most popular and successful tracks on there so fans may
listen to their best music all on one album.
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