Music videos have become a vital part of the music industry, providing artists with the opportunity to showcase their music visually, enhance storytelling, and create iconic moments that transcend the audio experience. Some music videos have shaped the culture, changed the way we perceive music, and left a lasting impact on pop culture. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 music videos you need to watch, each representing a unique blend of creativity, innovation, and artistry.
Michael Jackson – Thriller (1982)
No list of iconic music videos would be complete without Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Directed by John Landis, this legendary video is often considered the best music video of all time. The video, which combines elements of horror with Jackson’s signature dance moves, helped solidify his status as a global superstar. The narrative of Thriller, featuring Jackson as a man who transforms into a werewolf and is later joined by a group of zombies, redefined the possibilities of storytelling in music videos.
The video was a cultural phenomenon, and the dance routine, particularly the zombie shuffle, became an instant classic. Its blend of cutting-edge special effects, iconic choreography, and Jackson’s unparalleled performance remains unmatched to this day.
Beyoncé – Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) (2008)
Beyoncé’s Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) is not only a song about female empowerment but also a video that became a cultural touchstone. Directed by Jake Nava, the video features Beyoncé and two backup dancers performing a perfectly synchronized routine in black leotards against a stark, minimalistic background.
The video’s choreography, particularly the iconic hand wave, became one of the most widely replicated dance moves of the 2000s. The visual simplicity of the video, combined with the catchy tune and Beyoncé’s powerful performance, made it a game-changer in how music videos could focus on dance as the central element.
OK Go – Here It Goes Again (2006)
OK Go’s Here It Goes Again is a masterclass in creativity and ingenuity. Directed by Trish Sie, the video is famously known for its treadmill choreography. The band performed an elaborate routine on eight treadmills, flawlessly coordinated to the rhythm of the song. The video, which was filmed in one continuous shot, gained viral status and proved that a well-executed, low-budget idea could have a massive impact.
The video’s simplicity and charm, combined with the band’s creative concept, proved that music videos didn’t need high production value to make an impression. It was also a testament to the power of the internet, as it spread quickly across social media and became one of the earliest examples of a viral music video.
Lady Gaga – Bad Romance (2009)
Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance is a visually stunning, avant-garde piece that pushes the boundaries of both music and fashion. Directed by Francis Lawrence, the video features surreal and bizarre imagery, from Gaga emerging from a glass box to being draped in futuristic outfits, all while delivering one of her most iconic performances.
The video’s fashion, choreography, and visual effects helped cement Lady Gaga as a pop culture icon. The over-the-top visuals perfectly match the song’s themes of lust, control, and love, making it one of the most unforgettable and influential music videos of the 21st century.
A-ha – Take On Me (1985)
A-ha’s Take On Me is one of the most iconic and groundbreaking music videos of the 1980s. Directed by Steve Barron, the video combines live-action with animation using the rotoscope technique, where frames of live-action footage are traced over and transformed into drawings. This innovative animation style helped the video stand out from its contemporaries.
The video’s story—featuring a romance between a woman and a man who comes to life from a comic book—perfectly matches the song’s dreamlike, whimsical tone. The video’s visual effects were groundbreaking for the time and still stand as a testament to the creativity of 1980s music video production.
Sia – Chandelier (2014)
Sia’s Chandelier is an emotionally charged video that features the breathtaking dance performance by Maddie Ziegler. Directed by Sia herself, the video captures the intense, raw energy of the song through Ziegler’s expressive and dramatic dance moves. The minimalist setting and stark lighting create a sense of vulnerability, mirroring the song’s themes of addiction and emotional chaos.
Ziegler’s performance is powerful and haunting, making the video not only visually arresting but emotionally moving. The video has been widely praised for its choreography, its emotive storytelling, and its ability to convey deep emotions without the need for extensive narrative.
Madonna – Vogue (1990)
Madonna’s Vogue is a celebration of the glamorous world of high fashion and classic Hollywood cinema. Directed by David Fincher, the video is a visual feast, showcasing Madonna as the queen of the scene in a series of highly stylized black-and-white shots. The video draws inspiration from Hollywood icons like Marlene Dietrich and Rita Hayworth, with Madonna channeling old Hollywood glamour.
The elegance and poise of the video, combined with its iconic fashion, helped solidify Madonna as a timeless cultural figure. The video’s connection to the underground ballroom culture, where the art of “voguing” originated, also brought a significant cultural movement into the mainstream.
Kendrick Lamar – HUMBLE. (2017)
Kendrick Lamar’s HUMBLE. is a visually striking and thought-provoking music video that explores themes of identity, ego, and self-awareness. Directed by Dave Meyers, the video features a range of symbolic imagery, from Lamar kneeling in a church to floating on water, which conveys his message about humility and the nature of fame.
The visuals of the video are bold and powerful, using a mix of religious, cultural, and personal imagery to create a message that resonates deeply. The video’s cinematic quality, along with its political and social undertones, makes it not only a must-watch but also a piece of art that adds depth to the song’s message.
Beyoncé – Formation (2016)
Beyoncé’s Formation is an incredibly impactful video that celebrates Black culture and addresses themes of empowerment, racial identity, and social justice. Directed by Melina Matsoukas, the video features Beyoncé in a series of powerful images, including standing in front of a police car submerged in water and paying homage to New Orleans culture.
The video is a political statement wrapped in a visually stunning package, with Beyoncé using her platform to speak to issues of race, feminism, and identity. Formation has been praised for its boldness, its cultural references, and its ability to spark conversation, making it one of the most important music videos of the 21st century.
Childish Gambino – This Is America (2018)
Childish Gambino’s This Is America is a haunting and thought-provoking video that addresses racial issues, gun violence, and social unrest in America. Directed by Hiro Murai, the video uses stark, jarring imagery to highlight the discrepancy between entertainment and violence in the U.S. The video features Gambino dancing in a carefree manner, juxtaposed with scenes of chaos and brutality, reflecting the contradictions inherent in American society.
The video’s subtle symbolism and social commentary have made it a cultural touchstone. Its ability to provoke thought while maintaining a catchy, danceable rhythm makes it one of the most significant music videos of recent times.
Conclusion
Music videos are a powerful medium for artists to express themselves and enhance their music’s impact. The videos listed here represent the best of the best, offering a combination of innovation, creativity, and social relevance that resonates with viewers long after the music ends. From the groundbreaking effects in Thriller to the political commentary in This Is America, these videos have set new standards for what a music video can achieve.
