Most unforgettable music videos of all time
Can you believe that music videos have only been around for 35 years? Even though promotional videos for albums and singles had existed for decades, it wasn’t until 1981 when MTV took the world by storm, airing “Video Killed the Radio Star” by Bruce Woolley and the Camera Club that music videos became the popular artistic expressions they are today.
Join us as we take a walk down memory lane and reflect on the most unforgettable music videos of all time. Flip through the gallery above to refresh your memory!
“Thriller” by Michael Jackson
Could there be any article about music videos that didn’t include the John Landis-directed “Thriller”? The full video, which runs for 13 minutes, has become just as iconic as the song itself. Starring Jackson and Ola Ray as a young couple fighting supernatural forces, it also includes a fantastic spoken word performance from the legendary Vincent Price.
“Express Yourself” by Madonna
When MTV first became popular, Madonna quickly cemented herself as the queen of music videos. And, as fantastic as her all her clips are, her second collaboration with acclaimed director David Fincher has to be the best. Inspired by Fritz Lang’s classic silent film Metropolis, the video for “Express Yourself” was one of the most expensive of all time, costing US$5 million (almost US$10 million in 2016 dollars) to make.
“Subterranean Homesick Blues” by Bob Dylan
Way before MTV, there was Bob Dylan. They might seem polar opposites, but Dylan’s iconic promotional video was the precursors to the music videos we see today. In his clip for “Subterranean Homesick Blues”, Dylan can be seen in multiple locations flipping through placards emblazoned with the song’s lyrics, some of which were altered to include visual puns and in-jokes.
“Take On Me” by A-ha
Given how catchy the song is, it makes sense that the video should be just as memorable. In fact, the incredibly innovative clip for “Take On Me” is often credited as the reason for the song’s popularity. The sketch-like animation earnt the Norwegian band six MTV Video Music Awards in 1986 and is widely regarded as the best (and definitely one of the most ‘80s!) music videos of all time.
“Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen
Music experts consider the film clip for “Bohemian Rhapsody” to be just as ground-breaking as the song itself. “Its influence cannot be overstated, practically inventing the music video seven years before MTV went on the air,” Rolling Stone said.The beginning and middle parts of the video allude to the band’s iconic album cover for Queen II, intercut with scenes of the ultra-glam Freddie Mercury and co. performing.
“Single Ladies” by Beyoncé
This one may have only been around for eight years, but the clip for this anthem of female empowerment is already considered a pop culture icon by many. The seemingly simple video was actually anything but, featuring intricate choreography and shot in just one take. But, regardless of its minimalistic style, the clip sparked a dance craze, countless parodies and leading to a certain rapper’s infamous awards show interruption…
Tell us in the comments below, what’s your favourite music video?
Related links:
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