Music videos aren’t just promotional tools for artists; they are an art form that combines visuals, music, and storytelling, often becoming cultural landmarks.
From the 1980s, when MTV famously declared “Video Killed the Radio Star,” to the digital age where videos are consumed on platforms like YouTube, the evolution of music videos has had a profound impact on the music and entertainment industry.
In this article, we explore the top 10 most iconic music videos that not only defined an era but also pushed artistic and cultural boundaries.
Decade-defining visuals and groundbreaking artistry
1. Michael Jackson – “Thriller”
The 1983 release of “Thriller” was a watershed moment in the history of music videos. Directed by John Landis, this 14-minute masterpiece was more a short film than a traditional music video. Its elaborate narrative and jaw-dropping effects cemented Michael Jackson’s status as a global pop sensation. “Thriller” remains crucial in the evolution of music video production, significantly influencing how artists approached video promotions thereafter.
2. Madonna – “Like a Prayer”
Madonna’s 1989 “Like a Prayer” video sparked both controversy and acclaim with its bold themes of religion and race. The video’s use of Christian imagery, including stigmata and burning crosses, led to heated debates and a Pepsi commercial cancellation. Despite—or perhaps because of—its polarizing nature, “Like a Prayer” is often considered one of the most impactful pieces in music video history, blurring the lines between art and blasphemy.
3. Nirvana – “Smells Like Teen Spirit”
Labeled as the anthem for a disaffected generation, Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” (1991) captured the raw spirit of the ’90s grunge scene. Its unpolished aesthetics and anarchic school gym performance made it an instant cultural phenomenon, representing a shift from polished pop videos to more gritty, realistic presentations.
4. Peter Gabriel – “Sledgehammer”
“Sledgehammer” (1986) was transformative for its pioneering stop-motion animation and claymation techniques. Created by director Stephen R. Johnson and the animators behind Aardman Animations, it remains one of the most played music videos on MTV and a milestone in using visual effects to capture and expand the song’s creative breadth.
5. Childish Gambino – “This is America”
Dropping in 2018, “This is America” by Childish Gambino (Donald Glover) captures the intense social and political issues in contemporary America. Its symbolism and the unsettling juxtaposition of joyful music and violent imagery sparked widespread commentary and analysis, highlighting the power of music videos to influence social discourse.
6. Beyoncé – “Formation”
Beyoncé’s “Formation” (2016) serves not only as a bold celebration of Black culture but also as a political statement on America’s racial disparities. The video’s powerful imagery, including the sinking police car and the iconic line of black dancers, positions “Formation” as a cultural beacon in the ongoing dialogue about race and empowerment in America.
7. OK Go – “Here It Goes Again”
Known for their treadmill choreography, OK Go’s “Here It Goes Again” (2006) was a viral sensation that highlighted the potential for music videos to extend beyond traditional broadcasting. It showcased how creativity and innovative use of simple props could create an unforgettable visual experience, redefining viral video content in the music industry.
8. A-ha – “Take On Me”
The 1985 video for “Take On Me” combined pencil-sketch animation with live-action, illustrating a comic book coming alive in what would become one of the most recognizable and cherished videos of the 1980s. This pioneering use of rotoscope animation technology captured the imaginations of a generation, illustrating how music videos could transcend mere performance to become compelling narrative pieces.
9. Lady Gaga – “Bad Romance”
Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” (2009) is known for its extravagant costumes, revolutionary artistic direction, and complex choreography. The video’s futuristic aesthetic and narrative on fame, love, and betrayal provided a new model for pop video production, merging high fashion with high drama.
10. Johnny Cash – “Hurt”
The haunting rendition of “Hurt” (2002) by Johnny Cash, originally by Nine Inch Nails, features a solemn Cash reflecting on his life and legacy. Its somber, introspective tone and minimalistic approach, focusing on the aging artist in his home and museum, movingly illustrates how powerful uncomplicated, emotional storytelling can be.
Reflecting on the cultural impact
These music videos did more than just visualize a song; they captured and influenced the essence of their time, became tools of social commentary, and pushed the boundaries of what music videos could achieve artistically and emotionally.
Icons like Madonna, Michael Jackson, and more recently, artists like Childish Gambino and Beyoncé, utilized the medium to make powerful statements that resonated with and reflected the complexities of society, changing music video production forever.
The impact of these iconic music videos extends beyond mere visual accompaniment to music; they are pivotal cultural artifacts that continue to inspire and provoke.
As the digital landscape evolves, the art of the music video adapts, ensuring that this compelling form of expression will remain a crucial part of the music industry’s DNA for years to come.
