Music and visual storytelling have always shared an intrinsic bond. When these two powerful mediums come together, they create an extraordinary experience that transcends boundaries and captures our hearts and minds.
In this blog post, I want to share with you a passionate exploration of the 9 best music videos ever made, a collection of audiovisual masterpieces that have left an indelible mark on popular culture.
They might not be the most popular, or viewed, videos online but they are ground-breaking for lots of different societal, visual and technological reasons.
‘Thriller’ Michael Jackson
In the realm of music videos, there are certain creations that have achieved legendary status, forever etched in our collective memory. Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” is undoubtedly one such iconic masterpiece. Directed by John Landis, this groundbreaking video revolutionized the medium and transformed it into an art form in its own right. The captivating narrative, the mesmerizing choreography, and the unforgettable zombie dance sequence all contributed to the enduring allure of “Thriller.”
Equally unforgettable is Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” This six-minute epic, directed by Bruce Gowers, perfectly captures the complex emotions and musical intricacies of the song. With its innovative blend of live-action footage and pioneering special effects, “Bohemian Rhapsody” remains a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences to this day.
‘Express Yourself’ Madonna
Many music videos have embraced the concept of mini-movies, crafting narratives that rival Hollywood productions in their grandeur. Take Madonna’s “Express Yourself,” directed by David Fincher. This visually stunning video emulates the aesthetics of Fritz Lang’s “Metropolis” and presents a futuristic vision of gender roles and empowerment. The lavish sets, intricate costumes, and meticulous attention to detail make “Express Yourself” a true cinematic spectacle.
In a similar vein, “Bad” by Michael Jackson, directed by Martin Scorsese, showcases the seamless integration of storytelling and dance. Set in a gritty urban landscape, the video tells the tale of a young man torn between his loyalty to his friends and his desire to break free from the cycle of violence. With Scorsese’s masterful direction and Jackson’s electrifying performance, “Bad” stands as a testament to the power of music videos as a storytelling medium.
‘Take on Me’ A-Ha
The realm of animation has given birth to some of the most imaginative and visually stunning music videos ever created. A prime example is A-ha’s “Take On Me.” Directed by Steve Barron, this video blends live-action and pencil-sketch animation seamlessly. The love story that unfolds between a comic book character and a young woman captivates viewers with its innovative technique and heartfelt emotion. “Take On Me” remains an animated wonder that has stood the test of time.
Continuing the trend of animated brilliance, we cannot overlook Gorillaz’s “Feel Good Inc.” This video, directed by Pete Candeland and Jamie Hewlett, introduces us to the virtual band’s quirky and vibrant universe. The seamless fusion of 2D and 3D animation, coupled with the band’s infectious music, makes “Feel Good Inc.” an animated masterpiece that transports viewers into a world of surrealism and musical bliss.
‘All is Full of Love’ Bjork
In the realm of experimental music videos, Björk’s “All Is Full of Love” stands tall as a mesmerizing piece of art. Directed by Chris Cunningham, this visually stunning video explores themes of love and human connection through the interaction of two humanoid robots. The seamless integration of practical effects and CGI, coupled with Björk’s ethereal voice, creates a captivating and thought-provoking experience that lingers long after the video ends.
Equally experimental is Radiohead’s “Paranoid Android,” directed by Magnus Carlsson. Drawing inspiration from the works of Czech animator Jan Švankmajer, the video combines various surreal and disturbing vignettes into a cohesive whole. The dark, twisted visuals mirror the song’s lyrics, creating an unsettling yet captivating atmosphere that leaves an indelible impression.
‘Ashes to Ashes’ David Bowie
Within the realm of music videos, there are artists who have consistently pushed the boundaries of visual storytelling, pioneering new techniques and concepts. One such visionary is David Bowie, whose video for “Ashes to Ashes” broke new ground with its use of high-quality production values and advanced special effects. Directed by David Mallet, the video presents Bowie in a surreal, post-apocalyptic landscape, showcasing his ability to reinvent himself and create visually stunning worlds.
Equally influential is the work of Spike Jonze, who revolutionized the music video landscape with his unique approach. In Fatboy Slim’s “Weapon of Choice,” Jonze collaborates with Christopher Walken to deliver an unforgettable dance performance. The video’s use of a single continuous shot and gravity-defying choreography showcases Jonze’s ingenuity and his ability to capture a performer’s charisma in a mesmerizing manner.
‘Around the World’ Daft Punk
Some music videos manage to transform the act of watching into a multisensory experience, immersing viewers in a symphony of visuals. Daft Punk’s “Around the World,” directed by Michel Gondry, achieves just that. The video features synchronized dancers representing different elements of the song, perfectly capturing its repetitive and hypnotic nature. The seamless coordination between music and visuals elevates “Around the World” to an audiovisual masterpiece that resonates with viewers on a primal level.
Another example of a visual symphony is Massive Attack’s “Teardrop,” directed by Walter Stern. The video’s use of fluid dynamics and stunning practical effects creates a mesmerizing journey through the human body. Coupled with the ethereal vocals of Elizabeth Fraser, “Teardrop” immerses viewers in a poetic and otherworldly experience that defies conventional boundaries.
‘Here it Goes Again’ OK GO
Some music videos take a conceptual approach, challenging our perceptions and provoking thought. One prime example is OK Go’s “Here It Goes Again.” Directed by Trish Sie, the video showcases the band’s elaborate choreography performed on a set of treadmills. The playful and unexpected nature of the video, combined with the catchiness of the song, garnered widespread attention and propelled OK Go to international fame.
Pushing the boundaries of concept and storytelling, Kendrick Lamar’s “HUMBLE.,” directed by Dave Meyers, delves into themes of identity, power, and religion. The video’s rich symbolism and meticulously crafted visuals complement the raw intensity of Lamar’s lyrics, creating a thought-provoking and visually stunning experience that demands multiple viewings to fully grasp its depth.
‘This is America’ Childish Gambino
Music videos have long served as a platform for social commentary, shining a spotlight on important issues. Childish Gambino’s “This Is America,” directed by Hiro Murai, embodies this ethos with its stark portrayal of racial violence and social injustice. Through powerful symbolism and choreography, the video confronts viewers with uncomfortable truths, sparking conversations and challenging the status quo.
Similarly, Beyoncé’s “Formation,” directed by Melina Matsoukas, is a testament to the power of music videos as a catalyst for change. Celebrating Black culture and addressing issues of racial inequality, the video’s striking visuals and unapologetic message resonate deeply, inspiring empowerment and fostering dialogue.
‘Montero (Call Me By Your Name)’ Lil Nas X
As technology advances, music videos continue to evolve, embracing new possibilities and pushing creative boundaries. Lil Nas X’s “Montero (Call Me By Your Name),” directed by Lil Nas X and Tanu Muino, is a testament to this futuristic vision. The video’s bold imagery and imaginative storytelling challenge societal norms, blending religious and queer iconography into a visually stunning and empowering experience.
The Best Music Videos Ever: Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the best music videos ever made transcend mere entertainment, becoming immersive works of art that combine music, visuals, and storytelling to create a profound impact on viewers.
From iconic classics to boundary-pushing modern marvels, these audiovisual masterpieces have redefined the possibilities of the medium, leaving an indelible mark on popular culture. As we continue to witness the evolution of music videos, we eagerly anticipate the breathtaking creations that await us in the boundless future.
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