Music videos are as much a part of pop culture as the songs themselves. They have been created as a way to bring a song to life and add another layer to its meaning. Over the years, there have been countless music videos that have become cultural touchstones and iconic representations of the music that they accompany. From Michael Jackson’s groundbreaking choreography to the grunge aesthetic of Nirvana, here are some of the most iconic music videos of all-time.
1. “Thriller” by Michael Jackson (1983)
There is no doubt that Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” is one of the most iconic music videos of all-time. Directed by John Landis, the video is a mini-movie that tells the story of a young couple out for a night walk who are confronted by a group of zombies. With its elaborate choreography, special effects and highly stylized visuals, “Thriller” elevated the music video to an artform and set a new standard for what was possible. Even today, more than 30 years later, “Thriller” remains an iconic influence on pop culture.
2. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana (1991)
As a band, Nirvana was never one to follow the rules, and their music video for “Smells Like Teen Spirit” was no exception. Directed by Sam Bayer, the video is a grunge-inspired music video that perfectly captures the angst-filled spirit of the early 90s. Shot in black and white, it features singer Kurt Cobain bouncing around on stage, while the crowd of young people thrashes about in a mosh pit. The video perfectly captures the rebellious spirit of Nirvana’s music, and is now considered an iconic representation of the grunge era.
3. “Take on Me” by A-ha (1985)
“Take on Me” is not only a great song, but its accompanying music video is a true classic. Directed by Steve Barron, the video uses a combination of live-action and animation to tell the story of a young woman who is pulled into a comic book world. This was an ambitious project for its time, and the video’ s innovative visual style helped it become one of the most iconic music videos of the 80s.
4. “Like a Prayer” by Madonna (1989)
When it comes to iconic pop music videos, Madonna is certainly no stranger. In “Like a Prayer”, Madonna confronts issues of race, religion and sexuality head-on. The video shows Madonna dancing in front of burning crosses, and kissing a black saint, generating a great deal of controversy upon its release. However, its message of acceptance and inclusion, along with its visually stunning visuals and choreography, made it one of the most iconic music videos of all time.
5. “Sabotage” by Beastie Boys (1994)
“Sabotage” by the Beastie Boys is one of the most beloved and iconic music videos of all time. Directed by Spike Jonze, the video is a parody of 70s cop shows and features the Beastie Boys dressed up as over-the-top characters. With its humorous tone and clever editing tricks, the video perfectly captures the playful spirit of the Beastie Boys’ music. The video’s retro, high-octane visuals and contagious energy make it one of the most entertaining music videos ever produced.
6. “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson (1983)
“Billie Jean” was a pop hit in its own right, but it was the accompanying music video that helped solidify Michael Jackson’s status as a pop culture icon. Directed by Steve Barron, the video shows Jackson walking on a light-up sidewalk, as his performance causes various objects around him to light up and dance. “Billie Jean” perfectly captured the innovative spirit of Jackson’s music and set a new standard for music videos.
7. “Vogue” by Madonna (1990)
Madonna’s video for “Vogue” is a true masterpiece of music videos. Directed by David Fincher, the video is a homage to the golden age of Hollywood and the art of vogueing. The video features Madonna and her troupe of dancers striking extravagant poses, imitating the glamorous movie stars of the past. With its black and white aesthetic and stunning visuals, “Vogue” is a work of art that remains an unforgettable classic.
In conclusion, music videos have been an important part of music history for decades, allowing artists to bring their songs to life and creating memorable visual experiences for fans. The above-mentioned videos are just a few of the most iconic music videos of all-time, and each has made an indelible mark on pop culture that has resonated with generations of music lovers across the world.
