"Have you heard the new song by...?" "Yes! The music video is awesome!"
Ever since I can remember, music videos have been an important part of my interest in music. The visual personification of the story, the art direction, costuming, and special effects have always peaked my interest. Music videos seem to be these weird little time capsules where directors and designers get to go all out with a creative vision, sometimes it goes right and sometimes it goes really really wrong.
Here are some of my favorites:
1. Can't Stop by the Red Hot Chili Peppers – The art direction of this video is amazing. The one minute sculptures coming to life matches the energy and randomness that is the Red Hot Chili Peppers. These guys also look like they are having a blast.
2. Chained to the Rhythm by Katy Perry – A politically charged song speaking about the climate of our country today, this video creates a dystopian amusement park where the patrons are all hamsters running on the wheel of life. This video follows the lyric video featuring only a hamster, making tiny food, running on it's wheel and watching TV.
3. That's What I Like by Bruno Mars – Fantastic execution of Motion Graphics!
4. Dani California by the Red Chili Peppers – This Grammy award winning video is an all-time favorite of mine. Celebrating Rock and Roll history, RHCP personifies the legends who came before them.
6. Here It Goes Again by OK GO – This video was a viral sensation. Perfect example of a simple, yet genius idea.
7. Single Ladies by Beyonce – Pretty sure I know every move to this dance. Another prime example of a simple idea with major impact. A while studio and three ladies straight killing it on the dance floor, Beyonce proves time and time again she is queen.
8. Grown Woman by Beyonce – All hail Queen Bee. This video seamlessly transitions through periods of her life and with the use of CG even has young Beyonce singing along to the song. Too cool.
9. Thriller by Michael Jackson – This video is a perfect example of the power of music videos. With millions of views spanning the 30 years, these dance moves live on in all their MJ glory.