Five fantastically good music videos from the 1980s still worth watching

As a gamer who grew up in the golden age of MTV and cassette tapes, I must say that delving into the world of 80s music videos has been a nostalgic trip down memory lane. These aren’t just four-ish minutes of fun; they are time capsules that encapsulate the spirit, fashion, and energy of a decade that forever changed popular culture.

Over time, music videos have indeed evolved. Initially, they were personal initiatives by musicians or tools for album promotion rather than song promotion. While they could be incredibly artistic, they often lacked the light-heartedness that we see more frequently today.

In the 1980s, as well as through MTV, there was a significant shift. Even if one believes that MTV isn’t what it used to be (considering it still occasionally airs music videos), it’s hard not to wonder about the state of music today without this network. It reshaped careers and redefined the storyline of pop culture.

Music videos can range from about four minutes of artistic expression to about four minutes of bands casually entertaining without much substance. However, the exceptional ones are undoubtedly pieces of art. Among the five videos presented, most belong to this artistic category.

Five music videos from the 1980s worth multiple watches today

Billy Idol – “White Wedding”

In this video, Billy Idol solidifies his iconic image that spans over several decades. While “Dancing with Myself” showcases post-apocalyptic genius and “White Wedding” displays brilliance, much of the aggressive, shirtless, vengeful persona we associate with him today can be traced back to “White Wedding.

Without a doubt, Idol played a significant role in the brilliance of punk during his time with Generation X, and later staked his claim as a contributor to post-punk as a solo performer. If you’re a fan of either of these rock subcultures, you absolutely must watch this video.

Duran Duran – “Hungry Like the Wolf”

It’s highly probable that Duran Duran will eventually be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame due to their powerful music videos. While videos had been around for quite some time before the 1980s, it wasn’t until MTV took over that they became more prevalent and accessible. During MTV’s early years, Duran Duran was one of its biggest stars, and their fame was well-deserved.

In contrast to their current image, this band was far more daring in the early 1980s. Their videos often showcased explicit sexuality. For instance, the song “Hungry Like the Wolf” appears to be a playful nod to Indiana Jones, imagining him on a quest for love rather than artifacts. The video also features the captivating Sheila Ming, who embodies sensuality, which is the main focus of the clip.

Talking Heads – “Once in a Lifetime”

David Byrne consistently showed a talent for merging visuals with music. Truthfully, he was more of an artist than a mere musician in essence. He instinctively understood what was intriguing and enhanced the sounds. Compiling a list of the best Talking Heads videos could be quite extensive.

In the creation of this video, Byrne didn’t work alone. Instead, he teamed up with Tony Basil, known for her “Mickey” hit, to co-direct “Once in a Lifetime.” It’s worth noting that Tony Basil was an accomplished music director in her own right. Pairing these two talents together proved to be a brilliant move. The video has a deliberately raw aesthetic, but Byrne’s dancing is captivatingly engaging.

Peter Gabriel – “Sledgehammer”

Gabriel consistently exhibits artistic prowess, both in music and visual mediums. His concert videos and performances stand out as exceptional, often surpassing expectations. At times, the visual aspects are so captivating they can overshadow the melodies themselves.

The “Sledgehammer” video wasn’t just a quick production. It required claymation, stop motion, and pixilation techniques, which took a considerable amount of time and effort. However, the end result was more than worth it. Even those who aren’t fans of Gabriel found it intriguing, but for those anticipating something exceptional, Gabriel certainly delivered.

Metallica – “One”

Initially, isn’t it surprising that this song originated from the 1980s? Despite the passage of time, its sound remains as lively today as it did when it first came out, which speaks volumes about the band’s talent. Metallica has consistently been one of the major metal acts since the eighties, and this enduring popularity is due to their music being truly worth listening to. They have never compromised their integrity by selling out.

Initially, this musical ensemble didn’t favor videos much; they let their music express them instead. However, this particular video demonstrates that directors Bill Pope and Michael Salomon have a keen understanding of the band and can effectively capture their essence. The war theme in the track is accentuated by excerpts from “Johnny Get Your Gun.” To put it simply, this video remains as impactful today as it was back in 1989.

2024-11-12 21:00