Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”
Kesha’s “Blow” and “C’mon”
Wow, 20 people posted without mentioning “Thriller.” It’s that or “Take on Me.”
I heard “Single Ladies” by Beyoncé was one of the best music videos of all time, but I’m not sure I’ve even seen it.
I was beaten to “Thriller,” but give it up also for “Beat It,” which is perhaps the most *influential *music video of all time.
Also:
“Buddy Holly” by Weezer
“Feel Good Inc.” by Gorillaz
“Praise You” by Fatboy Slim
Turn Down For What
/thread
This. With movies and musicians, it’s common to see “top 100” lists, and we could easily do so with music videos.
For such a list, I will offer Run Boy Run by Woodkid. I have a difficult time articulating the feelings that video inspires when I watch it; suffice it to say that it is (for me at least) powerful.
Jeopardy by Greg Kihn low budget but the metaphor comparing a wedding to a horror movie is classic
Bubble Butt. Maybe not the best but at least it is the most subtle.
As a child of the 80’s, IMHO A-Ha’s “Take on Me” will always be the best music video of all time.
With Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer” in second place.
Not sure if its ‘best’ but one that always makes me stop whatever I’m doing and watch hypnotised for 5.05 is Sinead O’Connor Nothing compares to you.
Interstella 5555, the Daft Punk album music video.
Otherwise for me music videos reached their peak at “You might think I’m crazy” by The Cars.
Lemon Jelly, “Nice Weather for Ducks”
Trust me. Instant happiness.
Total Eclipse Of the Heart (Literal Version). Greatest Music video parody of all time!
Weird Al’s video for “Eat It” is an awesome visual parody. I have to wonder, if the “Beat It” video had never been made, would Al’s career (let alone Michael’s) have taken off like it did?
I’ve always thought that Tom Petty had some great videos:
Into the Great Wide Open, featuring Johnny Depp, Faye Dunaway, and a small host of cameo appearances,
the Alice In Wonderland themed Don’t Come Around Here No More,
and my personal favorite, the post apocalyptic You Got Lucky
A couple of my all-time favorites are Fall Out Boys “I don’t Care” and Lady GaGa’s “Telephone”. Michael Jackson did put out a lot of good videos. My favorite of his is “Black and White”.
Some excellent choices here. Two I’d add from opposite ends of the subtlety spectrum
Star Guitar, by The Chemical Brothers, gentle, rhythmic and hypnotic.
Go with the Flow, by queens of the stone age. Which is pounding and brutally sexual. You basically have your head pushed between a pair of massive jiggling boobs, but in a good way.
By the masterful Michel Gondry!
My personal favorites (notwithstanding those already mentioned) would have to be;
Smashing Pumpkins - Tonight, Tonight
The Offspring - Why Don’t You Get a Job?
Killswitch Engage - Holy Diver
And, of course, the '80s-est video of all time, Michael Sembello’s Automatic Man.
Best Dance: Fatboy Slim - Weapon of Choice
Best Concept: Take On Me as mentioned already
Best Overindulgence of Video Medium: Van Halen - Hot For Teacher
Best Statement Piece: Talk Talk - It’s My Life