You guys, I have to tell you about the first time I sat down and watched MTV. It was like stepping into a whole other world where music turned into this crazy blend of sounds and pictures. You know, there was a time when music videos didn’t just kill the radio star—they totally reinvented how we experienced music. And yeah, they were more than sounds; they were stories, looks, and vibe all rolled into one. The best ones? They didn’t just sell records; they lodged themselves in our brains, forever unforgettable.
Billie Jean – Michael Jackson
Ok, so we’ve gotta chat about Michael Jackson first. Duh, he’s the King of Pop for a reason, right? “Billie Jean” was this video that just made everything stop. I could never look away once it started playing. I mean, the moonwalk? And that sidewalk lighting up? Oh my gosh, I get chills just thinking about it again. MJ had this incredible vibe, like he was telling the coolest, most mysterious story without saying a word. It left me, and probably everyone else, begging for more, trying to figure out just what was going on.
Thriller – Michael Jackson
And we can’t talk about MJ without talking about “Thriller.” Nope. Not even possible. Even if you tried to forget it, well, good luck with that! The eerie beats, the mini-movie length, it was all just groundbreaking. That transformation scene? Come on! Werewolves, zombies, dance numbers—it was like a little movie of its own. Honestly, the creativity here was just mind-blowing. It turned our expectations of what a music video could be on its head, and we’re all the better for it!
Like a Prayer – Madonna
Ah, Madonna. Talk about causing a stir! “Like a Prayer” was her ticking all sorts of boxes: controversy, genius, and a little bit of mess. I remember watching it and just feeling…challenged? Maybe a bit mesmerized. The imagery was so bold, so in your face. It was another level of combining music with powerful visuals, and it got everyone talking. That was Madonna, though—always pushing those limits, making us think way deeper than we might’ve wanted.
Smells Like Teen Spirit – Nirvana
And then there was the anthem of a generation—Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” I’m not exaggerating when I say this changed everything. It was raw, scrappy, and oh so powerful. The rebellious energy in that gymnasium? Pure gold. It just screamed the frustrations and angst of youth, and we ALL felt it. The chaos felt purposeful, and it was this beautiful mess that just captured you.
Take on Me – A-ha
Have you ever fallen in love with imagination? “Take on Me” by A-ha was that for me. Mixing live-action with animation, it was a work of art. The whole comic book-to-reality thing was such a unique twist, I couldn’t help but hold my breath through the whole thing. The video was more than just its parts—it was about the emotion of the chase, the yearning, and the impossibly captivating storyline.
Sledgehammer – Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer” was nothing short of jaw-dropping. The visuals were an explosion of creativity, and I remember sitting there, a bit confused but totally hooked. The use of claymation and stop-motion was playful and bizarre all at once. It danced along the line of chaos but found this wicked harmony. That’s what art does, right? Challenges us, keeps us hanging on for dear life!
Vogue – Madonna
Madonna again—and honestly, who else could have delivered “Vogue”? It wasn’t just a video; it was an invitation to flaunt your individuality. The timeless black-and-white elegance meeting that iconic dance was something unforgettable. When Madonna posed, the whole world took note. Her music and those sharp moves screamed self-expression, giving everyone permission to be their fabulous selves.
…Baby One More Time – Britney Spears
And then Britney happened. How could we possibly leave out “…Baby One More Time”? That video, that schoolgirl outfit, and the catchy, catchy tune—it was such a moment. Gosh, Britney burst onto the scene with this adorable yet rebellious energy that was pure and undeniable.
Sabotage – Beastie Boys
Oh man, if you want to talk about fun, “Sabotage” by Beastie Boys is where it’s at. All those nods to ’70s cop shows just cracked me up! It was pure nostalgia dressed up with ridiculous wigs, ‘staches, and action that wasn’t to be taken seriously, but it was anything but forgettable.
Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) – Beyoncé
And then the queen herself, Beyoncé, took the stage with “Single Ladies.” The moves, the style, the EVERYTHING was perfection itself. She broke it down with power and simplicity, a challenge to every viewer to get up, get empowered, and own the floor. The fierceness was just magnetic!
Wuthering Heights – Kate Bush
Kate Bush’s “Wuthering Heights” was like stepping into a dreamworld. Nothing over the top, yet it was haunting and beautiful. Gosh, her dance itself was a type of language, breaking your heart and pulling you into her story purely with motion and the intoxication of her eyes.
November Rain – Guns N’ Roses
Another one I can’t skip is “November Rain” by Guns N’ Roses. Talk about an EPIC! We’re talking love, loss, tragedy—everything wrapped in a rock ballad package. The storytelling here was movie-like, pulling you into this grand, emotional feast that hits you right in the feels.
Bad Romance – Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga, with “Bad Romance,” was just…WOW. It’s so full of madly colorful splendor. The fashion, the symbolism—it wasn’t just a music video; it was an event. It’s like she walked down the line of fantasy and strange reality and took us all along.
I Want to Break Free – Queen
Queen tipped their hat to humor and rebellion with “I Want to Break Free,” and of course, Freddie’s charm just spilled out everywhere. It poked fun at norms and hit all the high notes of unconventional flair. Guess what? They absolutely nailed it.
Around the World – Daft Punk
Oh, and Daft Punk’s “Around the World” was minimalist but also strangely hypnotic. Those robot-like dance moves were syncing with the music in a way that just mesmerized you into watching over and over.
Formation – Beyoncé
Let’s have a round of applause for “Formation” by Beyoncé—a visual and lyrical explosion, fierce as anything. It was a socio-political statement, layered with powerful images and beats that commanded every ounce of attention. Seriously, she left no stone unturned with this statement.
Here It Goes Again – OK Go
Finally, can we talk about “Here It Goes Again” by OK Go? Who knew treadmills could become such a fun playground! Their synchronization and creativity in weaving everyday objects into a dance routine was nothing short of brilliant.
Each of these videos was its own little universe of creativity, and I swear I can watch them a million times without getting bored. They’re not just videos; they’re legacies that shook things up and remind us of the magic creativity can bring. I mean, it’s that creativity that makes all this worthwhile, right?
