Flashback to the 'MTV Generation': Legendary Music Videos That Defined an Era
By Jack Ripley | April 22, 2024
Jamiroquai - "Virtual Insanity"
Few artistic expressions have captivated the human imagination quite like the music video. It's a visual medium that thrives on pushing boundaries, distilling melodies into unforgettable images, and shaping cultural narratives. From the intoxicating glamour of Madonna's "Vogue" to the mind-bending gravity-defying antics of Jamiroquai's "Virtual Insanity," from the kinetic, frenetic energy of Beastie Boys' "Sabotage" to the supernatural dance of the undead in Michael Jackson's "Thriller," and not to forget the surreal, gender-bending world of Eurythmics' "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)," these music videos have forever altered the landscape of both music and visual storytelling.
In the short lifespan of the medium, music videos transformed from simple performance pieces to mini-movies where cutting edge directors learned their trade. These are more than just videos; they're time capsules, works of art, and cultural milestones. So, sit back and hit that play button, as we take you on a journey through some of the greatest music videos ever crafted. If you want to explore the magic of these iconic videos and discover the stories behind their creation, keep reading.
"Virtual Insanity" by Jamiroquai is undeniably one of those rare hit singles that owes much of its success to the sheer brilliance of its music video. Not to diminish the musical prowess of Jamiroquai, a band renowned for their pop-infused take on acid jazz, as evidenced by the infectious hooks and stylish sensibility present in "Virtual Insanity." However, it's the captivating presence of lead singer Jay Kay that truly steals the show. In the video, directed by Jonathan Glazer, Jay Kay effortlessly glides and dances atop a series of seemingly imperceptible moving sidewalks. Glazer's masterful staging of Kay's choreography creates a mesmerizing illusion, akin to a magic trick designed to invoke a sense of wonder. "Virtual Insanity" stands as a testament to the power of visual storytelling, elevating a catchy song to iconic status through its thought-provoking and visually stunning music video.
Talking Heads - “Once In A Lifetime”
The music video for the Talking Heads' "Once in a Lifetime" is a mesmerizing and enigmatic visual experience that perfectly complements the song's unique and thought-provoking lyrics. In the video, frontman David Byrne stands alone in a vast, empty white room, donning a suit, bowtie, and glasses. Behind him, footage of various religious rituals and multiple incarnations of Byrne himself are seamlessly inserted via bluescreen, creating a surreal and captivating backdrop. Byrne's performance is a tour de force of erratic and spastic movements, mirroring the rituals and trance-like states he studied from archive footage of religious practices around the world. Directed by Byrne and Toni Basil, with choreography by Basil, the video is a testament to their creative ingenuity and resourcefulness.
To enhance Byrne's jerky movements, Basil employed an "old-fashioned" zoom lens, resulting in a visual style that perfectly complements the song's hypnotic rhythm. Despite its low budget, the "Once in a Lifetime" video is an enduring work of art, a testament to the power of simplicity and creativity in the world of music videos. Basil later said of Byrne's memorable dance moves:
David kind of choreographed himself. I set up the camera, put him in front of it, and asked him to absorb those ideas. Then I left the room so he could be alone with himself. I came back, looked at the videotape, and we chose physical moves that worked with the music. I just helped to stylize his moves a little.
Madonna - “Vogue”
The music video for Madonna's "Vogue," directed by David Fincher, is a visually stunning and iconic masterpiece of the 1990s. Under pressure to create a video for the song, Madonna turned to Fincher, with whom she had collaborated on previous videos. Filmed in a mere 16 hours, during her busy rehearsal schedule for the Blond Ambition World Tour, the video showcases Madonna and a group of exceptional dancers, including Luis Camacho and Jose Gutierez, who were voguing pioneers from New York City's underground ballroom scene. The audition for the video was held at the Tracks nightclub, and their mesmerizing dance moves instantly captivated Madonna. Impressed by their talent, she invited them to choreograph the video. "Vogue" received nine nominations at the 1990 MTV Video Music Awards, winning three technical categories, including Best Direction, Best Editing, and Best Cinematography. The video's sleek and elegant visuals, combined with Madonna's iconic poses, solidified "Vogue" as a timeless classic that continues to inspire and influence pop culture to this day.
Michael Jackson - “Thriller”
The music video for "Thriller" by Michael Jackson, directed by John Landis, is an iconic and groundbreaking masterpiece that has left an indelible mark on music and pop culture. It goes beyond a traditional music video, with a runtime akin to a short film. The video features Jackson and Ola Ray in a thrilling homage to horror films, complete with a stellar dance sequence involving a horde of zombies. The "Thriller" video was initially not planned as a single release, but Michael Jackson's manager, Frank DiLeo, saw its potential and suggested creating a music video. The result was a cinematic experience shot on 35mm film with a budget of $900,000, setting a new standard for music videos. MTV initially hesitated to finance the project, but with Showtime's assistance, they ultimately agreed to contribute. To help fund the production, a making-of documentary titled "Making Michael Jackson's Thriller" was created. The video's debut sent the "Thriller" album soaring, making it the bestselling album of all time.
At the 1984 MTV Video Music Awards, "Thriller" received numerous awards and nominations, solidifying Michael Jackson's status as the "king of pop" and turning him into a global cultural icon. The impact of the "Thriller" video is immeasurable, as it continues to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide.
Fatboy Slim - “Weapon Of Choice”
In the mesmerizing music video for "Weapon of Choice" by Fatboy Slim, the stage is set in a nondescript hotel lobby, where a weary, suited-up businessman hangs his head in the mundane rhythm of everyday life. But when the infectious beats of Fatboy Slim and Bootsy Collins' electro-funk tune kick in, something extraordinary happens. The once lethargic businessman transforms into none other than Christopher Walken, who reveals his hidden Saturday-night fever with a burst of energy. With a charm all his own, Walken dazzles the audience with his unexpected dance moves, from shimmying and tap-dancing to bunny-hopping, all within the confines of the hotel. Directed by the visionary Spike Jonze, this surreal masterpiece takes a whimsical twist when Walken, known for his eerie deadpan stare, defies gravity and starts soaring through the lobby. "Weapon of Choice" captures that universal desire to break free from the ordinary and let loose, even if just for a moment, before the music ends and we all return to our daily routines. The video was a stroke of genius born from a chance encounter between Jonze and Walken, resulting in an iconic, graceful, and joyous performance that remains etched in our memories.
Sinead O’Connor - “Nothing Compares 2 U”
The music video for Sinead O'Connor's "Nothing Compares 2 U," directed by John Maybury, is a raw and emotionally charged masterpiece that mirrors the song's heart-wrenching lyrics. The video primarily centers on a closeup of O'Connor's face, capturing every nuance of her emotions as she transitions from sadness to anger while delivering the powerful lyrics. Against the backdrop of Parc de Saint-Cloud in Paris, O'Connor's solitary walk adds to the sense of melancholy and isolation. Toward the video's poignant climax, two genuine tears gracefully roll down her cheeks, an unscripted and deeply personal moment that O'Connor allowed to unfold. These tears, triggered by thoughts of her mother's tragic death in a car accident in 1985, provide a hauntingly authentic and touching connection between the artist and her audience.
Eurythmics - “Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of These)“
The music video for "Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of These)" by The Eurythmics is an iconic masterpiece of the early MTV era. Directed by Chris Ashbrook in January 1983, just before the single and album release, it became an instant sensation. The boardroom scenes, shot in west London, set the stage for a video that redefined pop culture. With Annie Lennox's androgynous image, her close-cropped, orange hair, and her striking suit and cane, she became an instant household name, smashing the traditional mold for female pop stars. The video's heavy airplay on MTV catapulted Lennox and Dave Stewart into superstars, showcasing their edgy, avant-garde style. "Sweet Dreams" wasn't just a music video; it was a cultural statement that continues to captivate and inspire audiences, solidifying its status as a classic in the music video pantheon. Lennox later said:
We wanted our visual statements to be strong and powerful, because we knew they’d be there forever. I wore a suit in the video with my cropped hair. I was trying to be the opposite of the cliché of the female singer. I wanted to be as strong as a man, equal to Dave and perceived that way.
David Bowie - “Ashes To Ashes”
The music video for "Ashes to Ashes" by David Bowie, co-directed by Bowie and David Mallet, is a visual masterpiece that pushed the boundaries of creativity and cost. At a staggering £250,000, it was the most expensive music video of its time and remains one of the most costly ever made. Bowie, a meticulous visionary, personally storyboarded every shot and meticulously dictated the editing process. The video's striking visuals, created using the innovative Quantel Paintbox, transformed the color palette, turning the sky black and the ocean pink. Mallet's direction was deliberately intense, featuring demented camera angles, heavy solarization effects, and abrupt shifts from supersaturated color to black-and-white. Speaking about the video, Bowie said:
[It conveyed] some feeling of nostalgia for a future. I've always been hung up on that; it creeps into everything I do, however far away I try to get from it ... The idea of having seen the future, of somewhere we've already been, keeps coming back to me.
Robert Palmer - “Addicted To Love”
The music video for Robert Palmer's "Addicted To Love," directed by Terence Donovan, stands as an iconic and visually striking production from its era. In this unforgettable video, Palmer takes the stage alongside a unique "band" composed of five enigmatic female models who embody the stylized aesthetic reminiscent of Patrick Nagel paintings. With their pale skin, heavy makeup, dark hair, and impassive, almost mannequin-like expressions, these models create an abstract, alluring backdrop that perfectly complements Palmer's performance. The video showcases Julie Pankhurst on keyboards, Patty Kelly on guitar, Mak Gilchrist on bass guitar, Julia Bolino on another guitar, and Kathy Davies on drums, each exuding a magnetic presence that captivates viewers. In 2011, Gilchrist told Q:
I was 21 and got the part on the strength of my modelling book. We were meant to look and "act" like showroom mannequins. Director Terence Donovan got us tipsy on a bottle of wine but as we were having our make-up retouched, I lost balance on my heels and knocked the top of my guitar into the back of Robert's head, and his face then hit the microphone.
a-ha - “Take On Me”
The music video for "Take On Me" by a-ha, directed by Steve Barron, is a true masterpiece of the 1980s and one of the most iconic music videos of all time. In the video, a-ha takes viewers on a mesmerizing journey through a captivating blend of pencil-sketch animation and live-action, known as rotoscoping. This technique adds a unique layer of realism to the characters' movements as they seamlessly interact with the animated world. The video required the painstaking effort of rotoscoping approximately 3,000 frames over a grueling 16-week period. The visionary concept behind this video was suggested by Warner Bros executive Jeff Ayeroff, who played a pivotal role in propelling "Take On Me" to global recognition. The result was nothing short of a sensation, with heavy rotation on MTV and an incalculably high view count, making "Take On Me" an enduring and beloved classic that continues to captivate audiences to this day.
Van Halen - “Hot For Teacher”
The music video for "Hot For Teacher" by Van Halen is a whirlwind of humor, sexuality, and vaudevillian charm, perfectly capturing the band's playful spirit.
Throughout its five minutes, the video is packed with a multitude of jokes that range from silly and outrageous to sexy and goofy, all delivered with a flair for vaudeville. It's no coincidence that the group showcases a dance routine during the chorus, as it epitomizes Roth's vaudeville aspirations, where he transforms classic comedic shtick into the coolest act in Hollywood. Coupled with the song's undeniable banger status, the "Hot For Teacher" video is a timeless blend of rock 'n' roll and comedic genius.
Aphex Twin - "Come To Daddy"
The music video for "Come To Daddy" by Aphex Twin is a surreal and nightmarish journey into the unsettling depths of electronic music and visual artistry. Initially, it seems like a possible parody of Prodigy's "Firestarter," given its guttural metallic hooks, but it quickly morphs into a chilling spectacle. Directed by Chris Cunningham, the video features a marauding gang of children, each adorned with the eerie, grinning visage of Richard D. James. As they vandalize and terrorize, they appear as unleashed monsters, creating an image that has retained its unsettling potency over the years. The video takes the song's already unsettling vibe and transforms it into pure nightmare fuel. From an old lady encountering a disturbing, distorted face on a discarded TV to the relentless pursuit of the children, "Come To Daddy" delves into a surreal and terrifying world, leaving a lasting impression on those who dare to watch it.
Beyoncé - "Formation"
Beyoncé's 2016 music video for "Formation" is a powerful and visually striking piece of art that sparked both acclaim and controversy. The video opens with Beyoncé atop a New Orleans police interceptor partially submerged in floodwaters, symbolizing the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the struggles faced by marginalized communities. As the video unfolds, it showcases Beyoncé's ownership of her heritage and culture, with scenes depicting her as the mistress of an all-black household on a Southern plantation. These visuals serve as a bold reclamation of the legacy of slavery in the South. The video also features Beyoncé and her dancers performing in an empty swimming pool, representing resilience and strength. "Formation" stirred controversy for its perceived anti-police, anti-American, and racially charged messages, drawing criticism from conservative figures and law enforcement organizations. However, it also received critical acclaim, winning awards such as the Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video and the MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year. Beyoncé's "Formation" video is a testament to her artistic vision and her ability to provoke meaningful conversations about race, culture, and social justice through her music and visuals.
Beastie Boys - “Sabotage”
The music video for the Beastie Boys' "Sabotage," under the visionary direction of Spike Jonze, stands as a brilliant homage and hilarious parody of 1970s crime drama series such as Hawaii Five-O, The Streets of San Francisco, and Starsky and Hutch. The video ingeniously unfolds as the opening credits of a fictional '70s-style police show aptly named "Sabotage," with the Beastie Boys stepping into the roles of the show's charismatic protagonists. Each band member takes on a fictional actor persona, further adding to the video's tongue-in-cheek charm. While the video masterfully pays tribute to the genre's clichés and conventions, its irreverent humor and high-energy antics make it an unforgettable standout. Despite some scenes being edited out for MTV, like a knife fight and daring stunts involving dummies, "Sabotage" remains a timeless classic that has influenced various aspects of pop culture, from Trainspotting's credit sequence to the works of Wes Anderson and the comedic stylings of the Lonely Island.
Nirvana - “Smells Like Teen Spirit”
The music video for "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana, directed by Samuel Bayer, is a quintessential grunge anthem that perfectly captures the essence of teenage rebellion. The video unfolds in the setting of a chaotic high school gym, inspired by the films "Over the Edge" and "Rock 'n' Roll High School." Nirvana takes the stage at a lackluster pep rally, performing their iconic song to an audience of disinterested students on bleachers and cheerleaders wearing black dresses adorned with the Circle-A anarchist symbol. The climax of the video sees the students erupting in rebellion, tearing down the set and wrecking the band's equipment.
The genuine discontent of the extras, who were made to endure repeated replays of the song, ultimately led to a spontaneous mosh pit, turning the set into a scene of exhilarating chaos. Kurt Cobain, unsatisfied with Bayer's initial edit, took matters into his own hands and oversaw a re-edit that included a powerful close-up of his face, making the video a raw and unforgettable expression of teenage angst and disillusionment.
The Buggles - “Video Killed The Radio Star”
The music video for "Video Killed The Radio Star" is an iconic and pioneering masterpiece that perfectly encapsulates the moment when music and visuals merged to redefine pop culture. Serving as the inaugural video ever played on MTV, the song's lyrics, while not explicitly about the rise of music television, seem tailor-made for this transformative era. The video seamlessly alternates between stark soundstages and artfully manipulated black-and-white footage, embodying a sense of retro futurism that is both edgy and charming. It stands at the edge of a new era, a precipice where the worlds of image and music converge, hinting at the exciting prospects of a future where these two mediums would become inextricably intertwined. "Video Killed The Radio Star" not only marked a revolution in the music industry but also left an indelible mark on the evolution of entertainment as a whole.
Frankie Goes to Hollywood - “Relax”
The music video for "Relax" by Frankie Goes to Hollywood is a notorious and boundary-pushing piece of art that left an indelible mark on the era of MTV. Infamous for being banned by both the BBC and MTV due to its decadent portrayal of the underground scene, it's no surprise why this video became a cult classic. The clip unapologetically embraces its in your face attitude, featuring a cast of characters with sinister grins and leering expressions. This transgressive intensity solidified its reputation as one of the seediest and most controversial videos from the golden age of MTV.
Despite subsequent attempts by the band to create alternative videos for the song, the original "Relax" video remains a striking and unforgettable testament to the daring spirit of the 1980s music scene.
Madonna - “Like A Prayer”
The music video for "Like a Prayer" by Madonna, directed by Mary Lambert in January 1989, is a provocative and highly controversial masterpiece that pushed boundaries and sparked intense debates. Madonna's intention was clear: she aimed to be more daring than ever before. The video is a complex narrative, featuring Madonna as a witness to a racially motivated crime and later encountering a caged statue of a saint who bears a striking resemblance to the black man from the street. The video juxtaposes these powerful scenes with Madonna's electrifying performance, dancing frenetically in front of burning crosses, engaging in passionate kissing scenes with the saint, and being enveloped by a gospel choir inside a church. "Like a Prayer" combines provocative imagery, religious symbolism, and a powerful message about racism and desire, making it a controversial and thought-provoking work of art that continues to challenge and captivate audiences.
Dire Straits - "Money For Nothing"
The music video for "Money For Nothing" by Dire Straits is an absolute game-changer in the history of music videos. Released in the early 1980s, this video combined groundbreaking animation with cutting-edge technology for its time, resulting in a visual spectacle that left audiences awestruck. The video featured a group of animated, guitar-playing laborers, a concept that was innovative and revolutionary at the time. The animation, created using the then-pioneering computer-generated imagery (CGI), was a groundbreaking achievement, and it remains a testament to the song's satirical take on the music industry. "Money For Nothing" not only enhanced the song's appeal but also set a new standard for music videos, inspiring countless artists and directors to explore the creative possibilities of the medium. Its blend of rock music, animation, and biting social commentary cemented its importance in the history of music videos, making it a timeless classic that continues to influence the art form to this day.
Björk - "Human Behaviour"
Marking the first collaboration between Björk and Gondry, the video offers a unique interpretation of the classic children's story "Goldilocks and the Three Bears." Drawing inspiration from Yuri Norstein's animated film "Hedgehog in the Fog," the video unfolds with enchanting and dreamlike imagery. It combines Björk's distinctive artistic vision with Gondry's innovative storytelling techniques to create a world that is both whimsical and thought-provoking. Michel Gondry later said of the inspiration behind the video:
When we did our first video, for "Human Behaviour", I was thinking: "Great, we're going to Iceland and we're going to shoot a lot of great landscape." And she [Björk] said no - she had a similar idea as my friend Etienne in Oui Oui, she wanted to use animals to reflect human nature. And it was great, because as soon as she started to throw some ideas, they started to bounce in my mind and imagination and I immediately came back with other ideas, and we did a video that was very collaborative.
LL Cool J - “Going Back To Cali”
The music video for "Going Back to Cali" by LL Cool J, directed by Ric Menello, offers a captivating noir-inspired take on the song's theme. LL Cool J's dread of returning to California is brilliantly conveyed through the video's moody and monochromatic visuals. In a striking twist, the vibrant and colorful Los Angeles is drained of its usual hues, leaving behind a foreboding black and white palette that is as stylish as it is ironic.
This stark visual contrast mirrors LL Cool J's mixed emotions about the West Coast, turning the video into a stylish and evocative piece.
Public Enemy - “Fight The Power”
Public Enemy's "Fight The Power" music video, as featured in Spike Lee's seminal film "Do The Right Thing," serves as both a fanfare and a Greek chorus for the film's powerful social commentary. In this video, Spike Lee masterfully stages a concert that seamlessly transforms into a dynamic street protest, with Chuck D and Flavor Flav serving as visual touchstones amidst the chaos. What sets this video apart is Lee's brilliant inclusion of references to civil rights icons from both the past and the present within the protesting crowds. This deliberate nod to history firmly situates "Fight The Power" within an enduring continuum, transcending the era of its release to remain a vital and kinetic force. This music video, like the song itself, is a poignant reminder of the enduring importance of fighting for social justice and challenging the status quo.
The White Stripes - “Fell In Love With A Girl”
The music video for "Fell In Love With A Girl" by The White Stripes, directed by the visionary Michel Gondry, is an absolute marvel of creativity and innovation in the history of music videos. Shot entirely using Lego blocks, this video is a testament to the boundless imagination of both the band and the director.
At its heart, you have Gondry's son kicking things off by building Lego blocks at the beginning, setting the playful tone. What makes this video so important is the meticulous craftsmanship that went into it. Every frame was painstakingly shot and constructed with Lego bricks, and the end result is a mesmerizing visual experience that seamlessly blends the stop-motion technique with the band's raw energy. The red, white, and black color palette adds a bold and striking aesthetic, mirroring the band's signature look.
The fact that The White Stripes had to purchase a vast quantity of Lego boxes to make this video happen highlights their dedication to the project. "Fell In Love With A Girl" by The White Stripes is not just a music video; it's a work of art that pushed the boundaries of what could be achieved with a simple childhood toy and forever changed the landscape of music video creativity.
ZZ Top - “Legs”
The music video for "Legs" by ZZ Top, directed by Tim Newman, is a delightful romp that's equal parts empowerment and revenge fantasy. It revolves around a timid shoe store clerk who endures endless harassment from those around her. But when the iconic trio of women from ZZ Top's previous Eliminator singles cruises up in their vintage Eliminator car, everything changes. In a flurry of rock 'n' roll magic, the band appears, wielding their sheepskin-covered guitars that look like they came straight out of a dream. The guitars, custom-made by Dean Guitars, are not just instruments; they're works of art with the "ZZ" logo extending along each fretboard. These guitars become symbols of confidence and liberation as they're handed over to the clerk. "Legs" is a music video that oozes style and attitude, with ZZ Top at their coolest, proving once again that rock 'n' roll and a badass car can make anything possible.
Weezer - “Buddy Holly”
The music video for Weezer's "Buddy Holly," directed by Spike Jonze, is a delightful and unexpected collision of past and present pop culture. Initially met with skepticism by the band, Jonze's vision proved to be nothing short of ingenious. Filmed in a single day at Charlie Chaplin Studios in Hollywood, the video seamlessly integrates Weezer's performance with clips from the beloved 1970s television show "Happy Days." Al Molinaro, a cast member from "Happy Days," even makes a cameo appearance, humorously introducing the band as "Kenosha, Wisconsin's own Weezer," despite Weezer actually hailing from Los Angeles. What's truly remarkable about this video is that it achieved its iconic look without the aid of computer graphics, relying instead on clever camerawork and editing. Its inclusion on the Windows 95 installation CD-ROM unexpectedly catapulted Weezer to even greater popularity. In 2019, drummer Pat Wilson said:
I was furious because at the time I was like, 'How are they allowed to do this without permission?' Turns out it was one of the greatest things that could have happened to us. Can you imagine that happening today? It's like, there's one video on YouTube, and it's your video.
