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Music lovers would agree that music videos are not just videos but stories that make the songs more likable. The importance of music videos is quite high for music artists as they help to captivate more audiences. With the constant development of technology and now the influence of AI; creating compelling music videos has become easier than before. However, it is not always the technology but the storytelling that makes a music video more engaging and emotionally enriched. Let’s find out the top 10 music videos of all time that can captivate the audiences of all eras. These music videos are well-made and offer a beautiful representation of cinematography.
- “Like a Prayer,” by Madonna (1998)
“Like a Prayer” is one of Madonna’s hit songs that received much attention from fans around the world. It recently became more popular by featuring the track in ‘Deadpool 3’. Well, it is one of the pop masterpieces and that will never become old. The music video features provocative storytelling and Madonna looks absolutely gorgeous through the music video. However, more than her beauty, it is the engaging storytelling style that makes it stand out. There is dark imagery and obscure symbolism but it is also easy to understand on a surface level which makes it resonate with the masses.
The pop queen is best known for her creative music videos and ‘Frozen’ is also one of them. Most of her official music videos are capable of invoking certain emotions and the storytelling makes it even more intriguing. Due to this reason, the OMV for ‘Like a Prayer’ is still enjoyed by viewers of this era. The Music video was directed by Mary Lambert.
- ‘Thriller’ By Michael Jackson (1983)
Well, it is definitely one of the classic videos that people of all generations have seen. Pop sensation Michael Jackson was best known for his moves and diabolic dance movements that made his music videos even more engaging for the fans. It is the same reason why ‘Smooth Criminal’ gained so much attention.
However, nothing can beat the popularity of ‘Thriller’ which offers viewers an essence just like its name suggests. However, more than thrillers; there are ample horror elements as well. The music video is directed by John Landis and he did an amazing job of creating something pop, fashionable, stylish, and eerie at the same time. It is like a full-fledged short film that spans somewhere around 14 minutes and it offers a proper introduction which makes the story even more interesting. MJ dancing with the group of zombies and people from the afterlife is perhaps the most iconic thing ever.
- ‘Closer’ by Nine Inch Nails (1994)
Grotesque imagery and hard metal go side by side but when that finds creativity and poetic essence it almost feels cinematic rather than gore display. ‘Closer’ by Nine Inch Nails was released in 1994 and the music video offers some disturbingly good visual and musical experiences. The music video is directed by Mark Romanek and if you watch the music video, you will feel like he is greatly inspired by David Fincher.
The Director has beautifully churned out the essence of psychological chaos with horrific R-rated imagery. Within less than five minutes, the music video offers an experience that lasts with a long impact. Thanks to Romanek for pushing the boundaries when it comes to horror. It is horrific, and beautiful and perfectly explains the narrative of the song.
- “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It),” by Beyoncé (2008)
Sometimes it is all about the simplicity that can make a music video stand out for the viewers or fans. Fans are more likely to connect with video more than makes them feel relatable or a part of the story that is shared through the music video. That is how ‘Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)’ by Beyoncé became an instant hit even though it is just a simple monochrome video with Queen Bey dancing with other women.
The sense of empowerment in the song is well established through the music video and the power of feminine energy can be felt through the video content. Director Jake Nava has done a great job in crafting this music video that earned global attention back in 2008. The occasional change of lighting and performance by the co-dancers make the music video more crisp and enjoyable. The song offers the exact vibe that you can expect from a 2000s single.
- ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ by Nirvana in 1991
‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ is one of the best grunge tracks by Nirvana that captivated people of all ages who had a teen spirit in them. Directed by Samuel Bayer, the official music video for the song was released in 1991 it offered the exact raw power that fans expected from Nirvana, especially Kurt Cobain. The pungent attitude in the track is reflected well through the music video that is specially crafted to do so.
There is grunge, there is aesthetic, and a lot of power to propel the teenage crowd back then. There was a sense of anarchy, rowdiness, and positive energy that channeled through the mass. Not to mention, the murky yellow tint makes it more attractive and offers the right tone for the track. The immaculate atmosphere of powerful teen spirits can surely captivate everyone.
- “Sledgehammer,” by Peter Gabriel in 1986
The music video is directed by Stephen R. Johnson and ‘Sledgehammer’ is perhaps the most played music video on MTV which has created a huge public demand. Making such a creative music video back in the 80s is something truly astonishing as technology was not that advanced back then. Yet the goofy animation and techniques of pixilation make the music video even more captivating for everyone.
This project by Peter Gabriel is like a feature-length short film that deserves to be watched by everyone. There is a creative use of clay and stop-motion techniques which makes it funny yet intriguing. The ‘roller-coaster’ moment was the most attractive and the song perfectly goes with its name, offering a sledgehammer of creativity that can break through everything.
- ‘Hurt’ by Johnny Cash in 2003
Johnny Cash and his heavy raspy voice are favorites of many and ‘Hurt; is one of his masterpieces. The song has a beautiful poetic essence which feels even better with Johnny’s amazing singing style. This song received more popularity after its use in Wolverine’s movie ‘Logan’.
However, viewers cannot deny the amazing presence of the artist in the original music video which is directed by Mark Romanek. Revered for his works, Romanek did a great job in representing pain with valor where legacy prevails. The director crafted a tearjerker music video that laments the death of the National Treasure Johnny Cash. It is undoubtedly the most powerful song by Cash.
- ‘This is America’ by Childish Gambino in 2018
Childish Gambino is one of the most versatile rappers and music artists in the industry and is also revered for his exceptional acting skills. ‘This is America’ is one of those tracks that can set a benchmark for itself. The music video for the song is directed by Hiro Murai who masterfully offered the real American essence just like the song explains.
It depicts a picture of the American Society in the 2010s when there was a significant increase in gun violence, racial discrimination, and many other issues. Offering an evident picture of the chaotic society while people are also finding freedom through self-expression; the music video is perfect for the narrative that the artist wanted to establish. Not to mention, Gambino’s sick dance moves are a treat to watch in the official music videos.
- ‘Take On Me’ by a-ha in 1985
‘Take On Me’ is one of the classic hits that quickly gathered attention from music lovers due to its highly creative music video. Director Steve Barron did a wonderful job in crafting the music video that stays one of the most iconic OMVs in the 80s. The technology was not so fast back then but the creative human minds knew how to push the limitations of creativity by experimenting with new techniques. This music video utilized a technique called rotoscoping which includes drawing on the live footage. The groundbreaking representation of love and other emotions surely captivates a global audience base making this one of the most popular music videos of all time.
The subject matter of the song depends on a romantic story where a man and a woman fall in love with each other through a comic book. However, find it difficult to be with each other as their worlds are quite different from one another. There is a sense of love and sacrifice both of which can be felt through the amazing representation of the music video.
- ‘Sabotage’ by Beastie Boys in 1994
Beastie Boys had the most iconic tracks of all time and ‘Sabotage’ is one of them. This pop masterpiece comes with a fine blend of rap and rock which makes it unique and captivating for all kinds of listeners. The high-octane energy of the track is track is well balanced with its comedic video approach which is highly enjoyable for all. The OMV loosely mocks the police activities back in the 1970s. Director Spike Jonze made sure to keep the video quirky and catchy he is also revered for his work with Fatboy Slim. Even after 30 long years, the music video still remains one of the most engaging video works.
With so many music videos released every year, it is quite hard to choose the top 10 for best videos. However, these evergreen creations will never lose their worth on the top charts. Some of the other honorable mentions are ‘November Rain’ by Guns n Roses, ‘Bad Romance’ by Lady Gaga, ‘Chandelier’ by Sia, ‘Up n Up’ by Coldplay, ‘Money for Nothing’ by Dire Straits and the list goes on.
