Blink 182 is a popular American rock band known for their catchy pop-punk sound. In 2011, they released a song called "Black Magic" which showcased a darker, more mature side of their music. The song explores the theme of manipulation and the power of suggestion. It delves into the idea of someone having control over another person through supernatural means. The lyrics of "Black Magic" are haunting and mysterious, painting a picture of a person being under a spell or curse. The band members, Mark Hoppus and Tom DeLonge, alternate vocals with their distinctive voices, adding to the eerie atmosphere of the song.
As soon as the music video begins you are welcomed to this dark and gothic environment that is set up with slow dissolves into other shots which are actually strung together with quick edits. There are these ghost like women, some of them are translucent to create this haunting feel to the video. When the band come in they are performing in a room that is very slightly lit and allows the dark colours such as the red, greens and blacks to really be highlighted. I really like the nice touch of Mark playing a double bass instead of a bass guitar as well.
Music videos are one of my favourite things in the world and I spent hours and I MEAN literally hours when I was growing up watching them Even now in the modern world, I can find myself getting lost on YouTube watching music videos for hours on end they are an addiction. When the band come in they are performing in a room that is very slightly lit and allows the dark colours such as the red, greens and blacks to really be highlighted.
The band members, Mark Hoppus and Tom DeLonge, alternate vocals with their distinctive voices, adding to the eerie atmosphere of the song. The lyrics are juxtaposed with a driving beat and strong guitar riffs, creating a sense of tension and energy. The main idea of the song revolves around the idea of manipulation and control.
Magic Of The Music Video – The Missed Tapes Month – Blink-182, Miss You
I am a Video Editor – and one of the things (probably the main thing) that inspired me to work in television post production was actually music videos.
Music videos are one of my favourite things in the world and I spent hours and I MEAN literally hours when I was growing up watching them Even now in the modern world, I can find myself getting lost on YouTube watching music videos for hours on end – they are an addiction.
This month we are doing something a bit different – since I started this article I have had to choose four or five music videos for each month for the selected band or artist I decide to discuss. However, there are some videos that I love that just miss out on entering the top of my favourites so I thought it would be fin this month to do something called The Missed Tapes and have a look at music videos by bands we have previously covered but did not get a chance to shine in the sun.
Blink-182 – I Miss You
Why did you choose this particular video?
Blink-182 was the first band that I wrote about in this feature and I always knew that I wanted to come back and revisit this video as it was one that is very iconic and so different to their other videos that it has to be spoken about at some point. It has a real gothic Tim Burton feel to it and that is what makes it so unique. I also
So, what is the narrative?
The music video is styled and filmed in a way to make it look like a 1930’s film, the band are in a haunted house and there are ghosts that are around them as well. It was one of those videos that was really successful on the music channels and that is why it is interesting to look at today.
Favourite parts of the video?
As soon as the music video begins you are welcomed to this dark and gothic environment that is set up with slow dissolves into other shots which are actually strung together with quick edits. There are these ghost like women, some of them are translucent to create this haunting feel to the video. When the band come in they are performing in a room that is very slightly lit and allows the dark colours such as the red, greens and blacks to really be highlighted. I really like the nice touch of Mark playing a double bass instead of a bass guitar as well.
Throughout the video, you start to notice that there are these shots that are slightly blurred, especially when they are close up and it creates this really haunting feel to the video. When you look at all the shots as well you will notice these sort of damages to sort of portray it is old footage and I think this is what the light also does as well, it creates this sense of aging to the music video to again create this scary theme.
Throughout the second chorus, there are these really motion blurred shots that are quick and intertwine between the performance of the band. These shots feel like they are really erratic and create a sense of drama from the spirits and that there is a lot happening emotionally with them. The editing and the colour grades highlights these emotions and creates a really effective chorus and section of the video.
Stevie Wonder was 12 years old when he released his first #1 hit, "Fingertips (Part 2)." He had to wait 22 years for his next one: "Part Time Lover."
The line "Black magic and all its tragic, I am under her spell" encapsulates the concept of someone being under the influence of a powerful force. It suggests that this person is unable to break free and is trapped in a cycle of control and manipulation. "Black Magic" stands out in Blink 182's discography as a departure from their usual sound. It showcases their ability to experiment with different themes and styles while still maintaining their signature energy and flair. The song's dark and mysterious atmosphere allows them to explore new territory and captivate listeners in a different way. Overall, "Black Magic" is a compelling and intriguing song that reveals a more mature side of Blink 182. It highlights the power of suggestion and manipulation, exploring the theme of control in a haunting and captivating way..
Reviews for "The Making of Blink 182's "Black Magic" Song: Behind the Scenes"
1. Sarah - 1/5
Unfortunately, Blink 182's "Black Magic" falls flat for me. The lyrics are cliché and unoriginal, lacking any depth or substance. The melody is repetitive and fails to grab my attention. It feels like a generic attempt to appeal to a mainstream audience, rather than a genuine artistic endeavor. Overall, I found the song to be forgettable and disappointing.
2. John - 2/5
I was a longtime fan of Blink 182, but "Black Magic" left me underwhelmed. The song feels rushed and lacks the energy and intensity that made their earlier works so enjoyable. The chorus is particularly disappointing, lacking the catchy hooks and infectious melodies that Blink 182 is known for. The lyrics also feel forced and uninspired, making it difficult for me to connect with the song on any level. While there are some glimpses of the band's signature sound, "Black Magic" ultimately falls short.
3. Emily - 2/5
After eagerly awaiting Blink 182's comeback, "Black Magic" left me feeling unsatisfied. The track feels disorganized and muddled, lacking the cohesiveness and tightness of their previous hits. The production also feels heavy-handed, burying the vocals and making it difficult to fully appreciate the song. While I can see the band's attempt to experiment with their sound, "Black Magic" feels like a misstep and a departure from what made Blink 182 so great in the first place. Sadly, this song did not live up to my expectations.
4. David - 1/5
I hate to say it, but "Black Magic" by Blink 182 is a complete disappointment. The song lacks any originality and feels like a rehashed version of their previous work. The lyrics are shallow and repetitive, offering nothing new or thought-provoking. The production is lackluster, failing to capture the energy and excitement that Blink 182 is known for. Overall, "Black Magic" feels like a cheap attempt to stay relevant in the music industry, and it simply falls flat.