The 20 best music videos of all time
20. Under PressurE //Queen
STORY:
This video uses a montage style, combining clips of large crowds, black and white movies, and explosions. In post production many of the clips were edited to play backwards, as if the demolished building is being put back together again. Some of the scenes show images of men waiting in line for a job, or statistics of unemployment. Some clips show police brutality, and citizens rioting.
AUDIENCE:
The audience for this video is people struggling with their everyday lives. The video and the lyrics of the song imply someone living under intense pressure and stress. The video particularly focuses on those without jobs, or those facing injustices from their government, or otherwise.
MESSAGE:
I believe there are multiple messages within this video and song. First I feel as if the artists are trying to say that when you are so stressed out from life to rely on friends and find a way to cope. The lyrics, “It's the terror of knowing what this world is about, watching some good friends screaming, help me out.” I think this also could be translated to mean that everyone is living under some type of burden. I also believe that since both of the lead singers featured in this song, David Bowie and Freddie Mercury, both faced the pressure of being gay in a homophobic society.
19. Chattahoochee //Alan Jackson
STORY:
Although this video doesn't have one specific story, the lyrics tell of Jackson's youth and his encounters along the banks of the Chattahoochee river. One clip shows three guys sitting around a truck talking, and another shows a group of teenagers swimming in the river. Multiple shots of actors are intertwined with scenes of Alan Jackson singing the songs in different locations. It could be interpreted that the young boys in the clips are supposed to be him in his youth.
AUDIENCE:
Alan Jackson clearly had a specific demographic in mind when he created this video. He added many elements that 'rednecks' or country music fans in general can relate to. I think his targeted age group were teenagers, and those who feel nostalgic about their time as a teen. Even if the viewer wasn't a country music fan, they would be able to appreciate the sheer ridiculousness of Jackson water skiing in Wranglers and a cowboy hat.
MESSAGE:
The message that both this song and video spread is fairly simple: memories that are made in a person's teens help to shape who they become as an adult. This may seem too deep a message for the twangy song, but the way Jackson describes his time around the river are obviously some of his best memories.
18. Glorious //Macklemore
STORY:
The storyline to this video is light and refreshing compared to many other contemporary music videos. The video begins with Macklemore surprising his grandmother for her 100th birthday. It then follows the duo throughout their day, doing "whatever she wants." The activities they complete include egging houses, singing karaoke, and receiving lap dances from male strippers.
AUDIENCE:
I truly believe the audience for this music video is everyone. Whether you are young or old, a grandparent or a grandchild, you can relate to and enjoy this video. Many people judge videos by the genre, and although this is rap, the theme transcends all genres and all audiences.
MESSAGE:
The message for both this song and video is one heard often; make the most of everyday. The message for this is not special, but the way it is expressed is. Macklemore makes a cliche statement sentimental by making it personal for himself and the viewers. Because the character who is making the most of everyday is 100 years old, it makes young people appreciate the days ahead of them, and it reminds older viewers to bring out the kid in themselves.
17. Are You Sure //Kacey Musgraves & Willie Nelson
STORY:
This 2015 cover of Willie Nelson's 1965 song has a very nostalgic feel, and this video uses that for the theme. The setting is an empty honky tonk, with a nudie suit clad band, Musgraves, and Nelson. The rose hued lights are dim, and a disco ball turns. Some shots include Nelson strumming his beat up guitar, and some include Musgraves enjoying a drink and singing. This video is truly a visual version of how the song makes the listener feel.
AUDIENCE:
I think the audience for this song and video are country music fans in general. Those who remember Willie Nelson's original will enjoy this, along with all of Kacey Musgraves' new fans. Anyone who has spent time in a lonely bar, or anyone who has questioned the loyalty of their friends can enjoy this song and video.
MESSAGE:
The message for this song is actually quite dark. The main idea is asking someone if they are really satisfied with the destructive lifestyle they are living. "You seem in such a hurry to lead this kind of life." The lyrics allude to someone who has abandoned their true friends for bigger and better things. "Are you sure this is where you want to be?" forces the listener to even question their own antics.
16. Take On Me //A-Ha
STORY:
The story behind this video is a woman who is reading a comic book, is invited in to said book by the main character in the story. The director chose to use a stop motion, flip book kind of art style to portray the comic book characters. Within the book, the now cartoon woman watches a-ha perform the song. At the end of the video the man in the comic book takes the woman back to her real life.
AUDIENCE:
This video was released in 1985, and at the time it used revolutionary techniques. This was most likely targeted towards the teens and young adults of the time. As an artist, the style of the video intrigued me, so artists or comic book readers may also be included in the target audience.
MESSAGE:
I think the "take a chance on love" message of this song and video fit perfectly with its pop synth sound. The woman in the video is forced to make a quick decision whether or not to join the man inside of the book. The lyrics of the song say "I'll be gone, in a day or two." This line implies that the woman only has one chance at making a connection with this man, so she better take it.
15. Perfect Illusion //Lady Gaga
STORY:
Although this video is of the performance genre, it still effectively portrays the mood and theme of the song. This video shows various clips of Lady Gaga angrily singing the words to the song. She dances forcefully as if she is so emotional she has lost control of herself. Other clips show a large crowd dancing to the song. The editor used quick cuts in between scenes, and dramatic angles to help add to the intensity of the song and video.
AUDIENCE:
Lady Gaga is one of the most successful artists of the 21st century. This means that each of her songs and videos reaches a large audience. I believe that this video was targeted towards the younger generations. The song itself has much more of a rock feel, which could be a target towards fans of that genre. The message of the song also very much speaks to those who feel betrayed or hurt by someone that they love.
MESSAGE:
Though this song is upbeat, its message is a very negative one. Throughout the song Lady Gaga's message is "love is only a perfect illusion." This can mean that people create an idea of what romance and love are in their heads, but can never find it. People get caught up in emotions, but in the end are hurt because real life hits them.
14. Another Brick In The Wall //Pink Floyd
STORY:
This video begins with a school bell ringing and a trio of elderly teachers making their way to class. It then shows a scene where one of the teachers scrutinizes a student in front of the class for writing poems. The lyrics go on to say "they expose every weakness." The video then takes a dark turn and shows the students in rows of desks, and walking in a zombie like formation. Other clips include a student being spanked as punishment.
AUDIENCE:
As one of the most popular songs of its time, this tune reached a wide audience. The main focus though, was the education system; teachers, students, and policy makers. This could even be a message to the government to take notice of how its funding is being spent, and how its future leaders are being raised.
MESSAGE:
Pink Floyd wanted to make their opinions on the modern education system clear; it is cruel to the students, and is ineffective. Instead of the popular 'rebellious' type videos of this time, they take a more logical approach to say that kids in school are treated unfairly. Students in schools today aren't taken care of, they are valued only for their ability to produce a good test score. What Pink Floyd was trying to say in 1979 is still true about education in 2018.
13. They Don’t Care About Us //Michael Jackson
STORY:
The video opens with simple white text on a black background that reads: This film is not degrading to any one race, but pictorializes the injustices of all mankind. May God grant us peace throughout the world. This quote sets the tone for the video to follow. Jackson uses two different types of scenes woven throughout the entire video. One is Jackson in a prison setting, first in a cell, and next in a cafeteria with other inmates. The second kind of scene is a montage of clips that show starving babies, war, and other international atrocities.
AUDIENCE:
The audience for this video is everyone. Jackson wanted people to have worldwide atrocities in their face, without a chance to ignore it. I believe the target audience is mostly those a part of the justice system. People in prison, or who have been in prison could also relate to this video. Anyone who is struggling against corruption would be able to connect with the message.
MESSAGE:
Ultimately, Michael Jackson used this song and video as a big 'middle finger' to the American government and other leaders worldwide. He mostly focuses on the issues with the justice system within the United States. America houses more prisoners than all other countries combined. Some of those who are incarcerated are so for petty crimes. It is especially people of color who are in prisons, and who are targeted for crimes that whites could get away with.
12. Learning To Fly //Tom Petty
STORY:
This video is set in black and white, and follows a boy from when he is young, to his teens, to his twenties. In each scene the boy is exposed to some evil of the world. The first clip, when he is young, shows the boy seeing an atomic bomb blast. After the blast his parents come to his side and drag him away. When he is a teen he is cleaning a middle aged woman's pool when she begins to kiss him against his will. When the boy is more of an adult, he is at a party where drugs and alcohol are served to him.
AUDIENCE:
This video was released in 1991 when sex, drugs, and rock and roll were still mostly taboo. Tom Petty is sending the message that kids will be exposed to this stuff no matter what. His audience is kids and parents alike. He also is catering to kids who have experienced the things that the main character experiences. Rock fans can also enjoy this video and this song.
MESSAGE:
Tom Petty almost always chose an abstract way to portray the message of his songs through video, and 'Learning to Fly' is no different. Petty said that this song was about the Gulf War, but I believe it is more general. I think this song is about growing up and having to face the dark side of the world that your parents tried to hide from you. This could correspond with the Gulf War, and how it affected the youth at the time.
11. Sabotage //The Beastie Boys
STORY:
This video is shot in an amateur style. There are jump cuts, and many different angles are used to create a sense of quick motion and chaos. The band is dressed in fake wigs, fake mustaches, and suits. The camera follows them as they perform stunts in many different areas, rolling and jumping throughout the scenes. The group is also seen confiscating drugs, and dressing up for undercover operations. The video eventually shows credits for each band member, just as a television show would.
AUDIENCE:
This video is so simple, and so silly that it really appeals to almost everybody. Fans of cop shows, and cops themselves could also find entertainment in this video. I think people who have been to jail, or on the other side of the law can also see the humor and satire in this video.
MESSAGE:
The message of this video can be taken one of two ways. First, this video could be seen as an homage to 70s and 80s cops shows such as "Chips". The fact that the video is so entertaining, and doesn't take a serious stance makes it focus on the way law enforcement is shown on television. Second it could be seen as making fun of those who are in law enforcement. When this video was released, other artists were speaking out against police brutality, such as NWA's "Fuck the Police". Because the costumes and the scenes are so outrageous it says that the Beastie Boys have a hard time finding respect for policemen.
10. Little Red Corvette //Prince
FACTS:
This video was one of the first videos by an African American artist played on MTV. It was also shot in Jacksonville, Florida while Prince was on tour for his album '1999'. Production for this video only cost $20,000 which was a low budget at the time. Prince also did his own choreography for this video.
MUSIC:
Prince used this video and this song to establish his androgynous character that became his legacy. Just as he was crossing lines in style, he was in music as well. Some may consider Prince as rock, and others pop. His image appeals to both men and women, and this song also appeals to a broad audience. This helped Prince to establish a large fan base.
VIDEO:
The scene is set as a stage with red tinted lighting. Without the lighting and artistic camera angles, this video would be very average. Instead, Prince and Bryan Greenberg chose to utilize the creative elements of a performance. Prince also wore a reflective jacket which draws more attention to him as a performer, and makes the lighting even more interesting. The scene also has what appears to be window blinds that create a lined pattern throughout the video. There is a feeling of intimacy throughout the video because of the darkness and sole focus on Prince himself. It feels as though he is singing right to the viewer.
ANALYSIS:
When I was choosing these 20 videos I wanted to avoid performance style videos, as I usually find them boring. "Little Red Corvette" is one of the only performance videos because it really creates a mood from the performance. When I watch it I feel as if I am being serenaded by Prince. There is a certain attraction that I think everyone feels towards him, and this video perfectly captures his essence. I also like it because something as simple as lighting is used in such a creative way that it completely transforms the entire video.
QUOTES:
"He said, ‘Just follow me.’ So I follow him and he does the splits and he drops below my camera. You can’t just drop! It doesn’t work that way. So I explained to him how we needed to do that. We did it two more times and that take is actually the third take of that sequence.” - Bryan Greenberg
“Prince had that big-time rock star persona, even back then.”
09. Like A Prayer //Madonna
FACTS:
The video for "Like a Prayer" was so controversial that the Vatican
even condemned it, and Italian television banned it from being aired. Director Mary Lambert says she wanted to start a discussion about racism and bigotry in the United States.
MUSIC:
Obviously this video has a lot of religious imagery, and it actually works very well with the song. Madonna is usually associated with 80s pop, but this song is different. It does have a faster beat, but the vocals are slow and angelic. At one point Madonna sings a cappella and it sounds echoey, like she is singing in a church or cathedral. There is also the sound of back up singers, which could be interpreted as a church choir.
VIDEO:
Besides the obvious religious story, there is also the issue of race that is brought up in this video. Madonna's character falls in love with a black man, that also is portrayed as Jesus later in the video. There are hints that it is the Ku Klux Klan that comes to separate Madonna and her lover. The black man is seeing being arrested, and Madonna continues to dance in front of three burning crosses, a reference to both the KKK and Jesus' crucifixion. The lighting is mostly dark, the only sources of bright light in the video are fires, candles in the church, and the burning crosses. Because of the dark lighting there is a more dramatic feel throughout the video.
ANALYSIS:
I chose this video not particularly because I enjoyed it, but because of its impact culturally. Madonna has always been an artist that pushes boundaries, and this video does that well. I like that it made people question what is okay and not okay in music videos, and in society. The fact that it got attention from the Vatican means that it obviously made an impact. I was raised Catholic and I find no issue with the imagery in the video. What I find interesting is that obviously society still has an issue with religion in popular culture because the 2018 Met Gala got back lash for its Catholic theme.
QUOTES:
"I think when you fool around with stigmata it's a fairly dangerous area" - David Wild
"I knew that we were pushing some big buttons, but I sort of underestimated the influence and bigotry of fundamentalist religion and racism in this country and the world" - Mary Lambert
08. Faithfully //Journey
FACTS:
Journey's video for 'Faithfully' is listed as not having a director because the band hired NFL Films to help create the video. This was a group of cameramen who usually shot sports events. This was also Journey's first music video.
MUSIC:
Journey is well known for their ballads, but this song has a
more sentimental twist because it is based on the band member's real experiences. The vocals are isolated against a background of dramatic piano. This sets the feel that the singer is very heartfelt for who he is missing. This contrasts with the images of the band on the road, it kind of works as a music video post card to their partners at home.
VIDEO:
This video takes Journey's image as hard rockers and turns it into men who have feelings and families. For their wives and girlfriends at home this gave an idea what life was like on the road. It also was the first road style video that showed how lonely and hard it is to be away. There are many elements in the video that are specific to the time, such as the busses, and the clothing of the band members.
ANALYSIS:
I chose this video because it is pioneering, as the first road style video, but it is often over looked. What I also found interesting is that this was actually shot by sports videographers, one would expect that a band as big as Journey would be able to find a big name producer. I think the fact that it was made by unexperienced camera men made it feel more real. The intimate camera angles make it similar to a home video, which I think is exactly the feel that the band was going for.
QUOTES:
"The band bus was somewhere between Portland, Maine and Saratoga Springs, New York when Cain began pouring his heart onto a napkin, beginning with the lines, "Highway run into the midnight sun/Wheels go round and round, you're on my mind." - Rolling Stone
"I wrote rest of it down, almost frantically. I'd never had a song come to me so quickly that it was anointed, supernatural," -Jonathan Cain
07. November Rain //Guns N’ Roses
FACTS:
This video had an outrageous $1 million budget, making it one of the most expensive music videos of all time. The band even hired a helicopter to get the
iconic shots of Slash in the New Mexico desert.
MUSIC:
If one were to look up the definition of a 'rock ballad', this song would be the first example. The song opens with a good thirty seconds of piano, and transitions into rock with electric guitar. Axl Rose's grainy voice is perfect for the emotional song. The lyrics tell the story about a messy breakup, and one person trying to make the best out of the bad situation. It also explains how he is afraid to love again because of his past. Then, Slash takes to his guitar to play one of the best solos of all time, sealing the greatness of this song by minute four.
VIDEO:
The video truly uses the lyrics and takes them to another level. The movie style video opens with Axl Rose taking pills to try and dampen the pain of his recent heartbreak. Then, the scene cuts to the band playing onstage in front of a choir, this is all before the lyrics even start. Images cut from a perfect white church to an orchestra, giving the feeling of a wedding. Then we are treated to Stephanie Seymour, Rose's then girlfriend, in a huge, huge wedding dress. The wedding between the two, and the following breakup are the basis for the video. The most epic scene is captured by helicopter. Slash clad in denim, cigarette perfectly dangling from his lip, hair blowing in the wind, playing his famous solo. The video could consist of 9 minutes of Slash in the desert and it still would have been just as popular.
ANALYSIS:
The reason this video made the list is for the sheer production level that the band and the director took it to. Building the fake church cost $150,000, and that was for only a small portion of the video. It is such an iconic 80s video that it had to be included on this list. Everyone from this time remembers the wedding dress, and of course, Slash. One really does not have to watch the entire 9 minute mini-film to get the idea that this was on another level for the time. I also chose this because the scenes of Slash in the desert are just truly epic, and something everyone can appreciate.
QUOTES:
"Cut to the solo. Shot from above for maximum dramatic impact. The helicopter is making the dust go into his face. Slash doesn’t give a fuck. He’s in the moment." -loudersound.com
“To tell you the truth, I have no idea [what ‘November Rain’ is about]" -Slash
"It was like Spinal Tap with money" -Andy Morahan
06. This Is America //Childish Gambino
FACTS:
Childish Gambino chose Hiro Murai to direct this video. According to Murai, he used the films "Mother" and "City of God" for inspiration in this video. The choreography is a mix of popular fad dances, and traditional African dances. This video has over 200 million views on YouTube.
MUSIC:
From the beginning, Childish Gambino makes sure to incorporate the down home choir feel into the song. Without the video, one would assume this is another upbeat, dance style hip hop song, but Gambino uses his verses to challenge the state of the union. The choruses still use the choir, which keeps the song light and positive, a different feeling than the video itself. The lyrics touch on subjects such as police brutality, gun violence, and racism. One line says, "Police be trippin' now Yeah, this is America, Guns in my area."
VIDEO:
Hero Murai stuck to a basic setting and costume theme that makes the imagery of the video stand out even more. The viewer is less focused on what Gambino is wearing and more interested in the choir being gunned down by an automatic rifle. This video contrasts the upbeat song with violent, disturbing ideas. The setting for the whole video is an empty warehouse that Gambino moves throughout to the different scenes. He dances in a mesmerizing way, mixing fad dances that are easily recognizable with old African tribal moves. Kids wearing school uniforms join him in the warehouse, until the video takes a dark turn. Gambino shoots a choir, and the scene turns chaotic when police arrive, but he continues to dance. The video ends with Gambino lighting a joint and then dancing on top of an abandoned car.
ANALYSIS:
Like many of the aforementioned videos, this made the list because it tells what this era is like. This video is controversial, symbolic, and artistic, three traits that make a music video great. Childish Gambino continues rap music's legacy by challenging social norms and making comments on injustices. I first saw this video on Twitter, fitting for this generation. Every time I watch it I notice new symbolism. What I like about this is that the song alone is enjoyable, but paired with the video it makes a statement. This music video is a perfect example of using music to send a message.
QUOTES:
"The imagery also has sparked conversation about several other themes, including police brutality, social media habits and what people are really paying attention to in the United States." -CNN
We’re just trying to be as honest as possible with our feelings through the work and hope that it connects with people." -Hero Murai
05. Let Forever Be //The Chemical Brothers
FACTS:
According to the director, this video is supposed to depict the nightmares of a young girl. Throughout the video there are many thematic references, mostly through the choreography.
MUSIC:
The song begins with heavy synth that is comparable to organ music in a horror movie. The sound is then focused on a simple drum beat with the very electronic voice of the lead singer. The lyrics are moderately repetitive, but because of the interesting sound effects, it is still entertaining. Some of these noises include lasers, whistles, and other outer space style effects. The combination between the odd sounds and the lyrics matches very well with the confusing video. The song ends with a beeping noise similar to that of an alarm clock.
VIDEO:
This video is hard to put into words for obvious reasons, but to sum it up in one word; enigmatic. It is like a magazine collage that has come to life. The viewer is following the girl through her bad dream between reality and fantasy. The scenes shift between the woman in bed in her apartment, and the images in her head. Mirrors and odd angles add to the confusion. The video is an optical illusion that has come to life, and been put to music. The idea of time and sleep is used throughout the video, clocks are shown multiple times, and the choreography of the dancers looks like arms on a time piece.
ANALYSIS:
For the most part, the videos on this list are explainable. This one was chosen for its sheer confusion. Music has the ability to transform its listener, and make them think. Although this song is somewhat simple, the repetitiveness of the song and the illusion of the video make the viewer question their dreams and their reality. You will catch yourself saying "woah" multiple times throughout the video, and that is why I chose it. I would even go as far as to call this video the modern day "Sledgehammer".
QUOTES:
"By the time the video has ended, you’ll be hiding behind your sofa out of fear that the same thing might happen to you." -TIME Magazine
"I thought it would be interesting to have people actually miming the effects in choreography and with invisible transitions." -Michel Gondry
04. Formation //Beyoncé
FACTS:
'Formation' was directed by Melina Matsoukas, who used Beyonce's parent's history as inspiration. Toni Morrison and Maya Angelou were also muses for this video. Matsoukas says she treats every video as if she were doing a thesis project.
MUSIC:
Beyonce's collective sound has evolved since she dropped her surprise video album, 'Beyonce'. She has incorporated a more hip hop and rap sound into her songs while still keeping them catchy. This song keeps those same themes as well. The song begins with Beyonce's voice slowly and seductively saying the lyrics, then escalates until the beat drops and the song continues into the chorus. The lyrics of this song are all very personal, and the overall theme really is where Beyonce came from. One line goes, "My daddy Alabama, momma Louisiana, You mix that negro with that Creole make a Texas bamma" explaining her heritage.
VIDEO:
The very first scene of this video is Beyonce squatting on the top of a half submerged police car. The background shows run down houses that are also submerged, no doubt a reference to Hurricane Katrina. Next, multiple scenes flash quickly on the screen; a man dancing, kids riding their bikes on the street, a police jacket, and others. Beyonce is next shown in an 1800s style dress, holding a parasol. She is sitting in what appears to be a very old house. Blue Ivy is featured in the next scene as well as she runs and plays with two other children. For the big escalation and beat drop, Beyonce is shown in a low-cut romper dancing in an antiquely decorated home. Of course she has a posse of identical back up dancers as well. In this video Beyonce makes multiple references to New Orleans, and black history in general. She also tells the story of her own family's history, ending with her own.
ANALYSIS:
I chose this video for two reasons, the first is that Beyonce has become an icon in music videos in the last five years. The second is that this video has such deep historical themes that I loved it. I love how each scene depicts an different time in history, and they are each shot differently to portray that idea. The costumes and choreography were other factors for me because in this video all of the costumes correspond with the scene, and they are all elaborate. The viewer can tell that there was a lot of planning and attention to detail in this video. This was also chosen because for many people they can relate Beyonce's family history to their own. This song and video celebrate heritage and they celebrate Beyonce's newfound video artistry.
QUOTES:
"She wanted to show the historical impact of slavery on Black love, and what it has done to the Black family"
"I feel safe working with her and expressing or revealing things about myself that I wouldn’t with any other director, because we have a genuine friendship and I trust her artistry"-Beyonce
03. Fire Away //Chris Stapleton
FACTS:
Tim Mattia is the director for this music video. 'Fire Away' won the CMA music video of the year in 2016. This video depicts the five signs of emotional suffering, and helped to bring awareness to mental health.
MUSIC:
Chris Stapleton has one of the smoothest voices in country music, and it could not be more fitting for this song. For the most part he is singing with a quiet accompaniment of drums and a guitar. The chorus sees an escalation in the instruments, a steel guitar can be heard, and the music is louder in general. This song is slow, but it keeps the listeners attention. It is obvious by the tone in Stapleton's voice that this isn't necessarily a love song, but something more dark, which matches the story of the video perfectly. Although it may be obvious that this song is of the country genre, the video brings a sophistication to the usual group of music videos.
VIDEO:
This video begins with a woman walking barefoot through a field, this sets the stage for the story. The video follows a couple throughout their relationship, buying a house, being with friends, and weaves in the struggle of the woman's mental health. At one point, she tries to kill herself, but is saved by her husband. It then shows her arguing with him in front of friends, possibly a panic attack. At the end of the video the man finds her on their kitchen floor and calls 911. She tried to kill herself again, and this time was successful. The very last scene is the husband in the bar holding her wedding ring.
ANALYSIS:
I don't even really know where to start with this video. I chose it for so many reasons. I have dealt with mental health issues for years now, and when I started dating my boyfriend it was hard to explain and help him cope with it. I know just how hard it is to deal with mental illness, and how hard it is to be in a relationship while having this issue, and this video portrays it so accurately. I also chose it because I have been a fan of country music, and country music videos my whole life, and I never have seen one as meaningful as this. Chris Stapleton has changed the genre in many ways, but I think that this video is the biggest victory. Society has a hard time talking about mental illness, and country music has a hard time talking about issues in general, so this video really challenges normalcy.
QUOTES:
"So we’re in this meeting hall at the label, and I said, ‘Here’s what I want to do, and here’s the idea,’ and we got dead silence out of it, and they thought I was a crazy man for a minute. They went back and thought about it, and everybody really got on board with it." -Chris Stapleton
It became something hopefully that has value beyond just being a video for the sake of being a video" -Chris Stapleton
02. Sledgehammer //Peter Gabriel
FACTS:
During filming of this video, Peter Gabriel laid under a sheet of glass for 16 hours to get each shot frame by frame. Gabriel's daughters are featured in this video as extras, as well as director Stephen Johnson's girlfriend.
MUSIC:
Peter Gabriel's most iconic song, and the world's most iconic video merge perfectly with their eclectic look and sound. The song samples sounds from all genres. The beginning of the song has a disco feel, where the middle of the song is obviously more rock and roll. There are also jazz and pop tones throughout the song. Because it has such a different sound than other songs it works well with the collage style video that Gabriel created.
VIDEO:
One of the most iconic videos ever made set the stage for creativity and artistic elements in music videos. This video combines stop motion, claymation, collage, and other effects to create the wacky scenes. Throughout the video the imagery matches the lyrics, but it is taken literally when shown on screen. This makes it feel surreal and dream like. Director Stephen Johnson chose to use interesting angles to make it more confusing to the viewer. Multiple clips show Gabriel's hand and lips very close up. Gabriel's face is used in the imagery as well, he becomes a part of the props and of the background, making it seem as if he is not real or only a part of the viewer's imagination. The artistry and pioneering techniques of this video helped to launch the idea that music videos can also be seen as art, and also established surrealist videos.
ANALYSIS:
I chose this video because of its fame, and because it was the first video in this course I discovered and was in awe from. One student chose it as her favorite video in week one, and I loved it instantly. It is easy to tell it wasn't made recently, which made the effects even more impressive as the technology wasn't as maneuverable back then. I liked it also because it kept my attention for the whole five and a half minutes, something that is difficult to do. I am an art major, and I also found it interesting how much art ideas and techniques cross over into the production of this video.
QUOTES:
"I think it had a sense of both humor and fun, neither of which were particularly associated with me. I mean—wrongly in my way of looking at it—I think I was seen as a fairly intense, eccentric Englishman." -Peter Gabriel
"I thought it was just another white boy trying to sound black"-Stephen R Johnson
01. Hurt //Johnny Cash
FACTS:
When this video was filmed, Johnny Cash was 71, he died seven months later. The house used in the video was Cash's longtime home, it burned down four years after production in 2007. The director for this video, Mark Romanek, is a
longtime collaborator of Nine Inch Nails, the writers of the song.
MUSIC:
Originally recorded by heavy metal band Nine Inch Nails, it seems as if this song was made for Johnny Cash. Cash has always been known for his gritty voice, but because of his age, it is prominent in this song. The lyrics tell of pain and suffering both mentally and physically. The song is slow but doesn't have the traditional country sound that Cash was famous for. Instead it has a rock undertones and is somewhat without a specific genre. The rhythm of this song is simple, something that is true to Cash's style. On its own the song is great, but it truly needs the video to have a full impact.
VIDEO:
Often called "the saddest music video of all time", Johnny Cash chose to sit down in his home and play his guitar for his final musical venture. Cash is so obviously aged, but still wears head to toe black clothing. He plays his same guitar, but has a different energy about him. The setting is his lavishly decorated home, where he sits in an easy chair, and plays his piano. Another scene takes viewers to the House of Cash museum which is now closed to the public. It shows what is left, an empty building with a few relics of Cash's past. Multiple clips of home movies, and older music videos are also incorporated to establish just how long Cash has been an icon. In the end of the video it is clear to the viewer the message; no matter how famous, or how great the legacy, he is still one mortal man.
ANALYSIS:
I chose this video, and ranked it as number one because of one reason; the unedited, dark, 71 years of emotion that is in this song and this video.
I believe Cash knew he was dying, and he knew he was soon to lose June, so this song really describes the stage of life he was going through. He was essentially preparing himself to die and leave his legacy behind. My grandpa, my dad and I have all grown up listening to Johnny Cash. Everyone knows his name, and probably knows one of his songs. He is the father of country music. The video sums up his career and his legacy so well that the viewer feels the need to say goodbye before it ends.
QUOTES:
"The place was in such a state of dereliction. That’s when I got the idea that maybe we could be extremely candid about the state of Johnny’s health - as candid as Johnny has always been in his songs.” -Mark Romanek
"If you were moves to that kind of emotion in the course of a two-hour movie, it would be a great accomplishment. To do it in a four-minute music video is shocking.” -Rick Rubin
"Having Johnny Cash, one of the greatest singer-songwriters of all time, want to cover your song, that’s something that matters to me. It’s not so much what other people think but the honour that this guy felt it was worthy of interpreting." -Trent Reznor
A Note from the author:
I first compiled this list as an assignment for a college course in 2018. This class inspired me and my art in so many ways, especially through this project. To this day it is still one of my best writing samples, and a piece I am very proud of. Even though I would change some of my selections now, I believe each video deserved a spot on this list at the time.
