Music videos have played a pivotal role in the music industry, offering artists a visual platform to express their creativity and connect with their audiences on a deeper level. Some music videos are not just promotional tools but transformative pieces of art that have left an indelible mark on popular culture. In this blog post, we’ll explore ten iconic music videos that changed the industry forever, breaking new ground and setting new standards for what a music video could achieve.
1. Michael Jackson – "Thriller" (1983)
Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” is perhaps the most iconic music video of all time, and for good reason. Directed by John Landis, this 14-minute short film redefined what a music video could be. It wasn’t just a video; it was a cinematic experience, complete with a storyline, special effects, and choreography that became legendary.
Why It Changed the Industry
“Thriller” was revolutionary because it blurred the lines between music video and film. The video was a cultural event, premiering in cinemas and later on MTV. It set a new standard for production quality and storytelling in music videos. The choreography, particularly the zombie dance, became a cultural phenomenon, influencing countless artists and music videos that followed. Read out full review of Michael Jackson’s music video “Thriller” here. Also, make sure to check out our Michael Jackson shop page!
2. Queen – "Bohemian Rhapsody" (1975)
Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” is another landmark in music video history. Directed by Bruce Gowers, the video is often credited with being the first true music video, in the sense that it was a promotional tool created specifically to accompany the song, rather than a recording of a live performance.
Why It Changed the Industry
“Bohemian Rhapsody” was groundbreaking because it showed that a music video could be more than just a visual accompaniment to a song—it could be a work of art in its own right. The use of innovative visual effects, like the mirrored image of the band members, and the video’s mysterious and operatic aesthetic, set the stage for future music videos to explore new creative possibilities.
3. Madonna – "Like a Prayer" (1989)
Madonna has always been known for pushing boundaries, and her video for “Like a Prayer” was no exception. Directed by Mary Lambert, the video was controversial for its provocative imagery, including scenes with religious symbols, burning crosses, and depictions of stigmata.
Why It Changed the Industry
“Like a Prayer” demonstrated the power of music videos to spark debate and conversation. The video was condemned by religious groups and even led to Pepsi pulling a commercial featuring the song. However, the controversy only increased the video’s visibility, proving that music videos could be a form of social and political commentary. This video helped establish Madonna as a pop icon who wasn’t afraid to challenge societal norms.
4. A-ha – "Take On Me" (1985)
The video for A-ha’s “Take On Me” is one of the most visually distinctive music videos ever made. Directed by Steve Barron, the video combined live-action footage with rotoscoping animation, creating a unique and memorable visual style.
Why It Changed the Industry
“Take On Me” was revolutionary in its use of technology. The seamless blend of animation and live-action was a technical marvel at the time and opened the door for future music videos to explore more ambitious visual effects. The video’s success helped make “Take On Me” a global hit and demonstrated how a music video could elevate a song to new heights of popularity.
5. Nirvana – "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (1991)
Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is often credited with bringing the grunge movement into the mainstream. Directed by Samuel Bayer, the video is set in a high school gym and features the band performing to a crowd of increasingly chaotic teenagers.
Why It Changed the Industry
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” captured the rebellious spirit of a generation and became the anthem of the 90s. The video’s raw, unpolished aesthetic was a stark contrast to the slick, overproduced videos that dominated MTV at the time. It signalled a shift in popular music and culture, paving the way for alternative rock to become a dominant force in the music industry.
6. Beyoncé – "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" (2008)
Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” is a masterclass in minimalism. Directed by Jake Nava, the video features Beyoncé and two dancers performing highly synchronised choreography in a single take, against a plain background.
Why It Changed the Industry
“Single Ladies” proved that sometimes, less is more. The video’s simplicity put the focus squarely on the choreography, which became instantly iconic. The “Single Ladies” dance was widely imitated and parodied, making it one of the first viral dance crazes of the social media era. This video demonstrated the power of a strong visual concept and how it could drive a song’s popularity.
7. Michael Jackson – "Black or White" (1991)
Michael Jackson makes his second appearance on this list with “Black or White,” another groundbreaking video directed by John Landis. The video featured state-of-the-art special effects, including the famous “morphing” sequence where different faces seamlessly transition into one another.
Why It Changed the Industry
“Black or White” was a technological marvel that pushed the boundaries of what was possible in a music video. The morphing effect was revolutionary at the time and was widely imitated in other media. The video also had a powerful social message about racial unity, proving that music videos could be both technically innovative and socially relevant.
8. Peter Gabriel – "Sledgehammer" (1986)
Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer” is one of the most visually inventive music videos ever made. Directed by Stephen R. Johnson, the video is a tour de force of stop-motion animation, claymation, and other visual effects.
Why It Changed the Industry
“Sledgehammer” was a game-changer for its innovative use of animation and special effects. The video was a visual feast that pushed the boundaries of what could be done in a music video. It won nine MTV Video Music Awards, the most of any video at the time, and set a new standard for creativity and innovation in music videos.
9. Lady Gaga – "Bad Romance" (2009)
Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” is a pop culture phenomenon. Directed by Francis Lawrence, the video is a surreal, high-fashion fever dream that perfectly encapsulates Gaga’s unique aesthetic.
Why It Changed the Industry
“Bad Romance” was a watershed moment for the modern music video. It combined high fashion, avant-garde visuals, and a cinematic narrative to create something truly unique. The video’s success helped solidify Lady Gaga’s status as a pop icon and demonstrated the power of music videos to shape an artist’s image and brand.
10. Kendrick Lamar – "HUMBLE." (2017)
Kendrick Lamar’s “HUMBLE.” is a powerful and visually striking video directed by Dave Meyers and The Little Homies. The video features a series of surreal, symbolic images that challenge perceptions of race, religion, and power.
Why It Changed the Industry
“HUMBLE.” is a masterclass in visual storytelling. The video’s powerful imagery and innovative cinematography set a new standard for hip-hop videos. It also demonstrated the potential for music videos to serve as a platform for social and political commentary, continuing the tradition of videos like “Like a Prayer” and “Black or White.”
Final Thoughts
These ten iconic music videos have all left an indelible mark on the music industry, each pushing the boundaries of what a music video can be. From the groundbreaking visuals of “Thriller” to the minimalist genius of “Single Ladies,” these videos have not only defined the careers of the artists who made them but also set new standards for the entire industry. As technology continues to evolve, there’s no doubt that music videos will continue to be a vital and transformative part of the music industry.
Hope you enjoyed taking the deep dive into these 10 Iconic Music Videos That Changed the Industry Forever with us. Make sure to check out our other blog posts.
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She’s “physical”. She’s “levitating”. She fills the room with “electricity” and she can “dance the night” until the crowd is screaming for “one kiss”. You’ve guessed it right – she’s Dua Lipa, the absolute queen of dance music. Born in London, child to Kosovo Albanian parents, rejected from school choir audition at the age of …
10 Iconic Music Videos That Changed the Industry Forever
Music videos have played a pivotal role in the music industry, offering artists a visual platform to express their creativity and connect with their audiences on a deeper level. Some music videos are not just promotional tools but transformative pieces of art that have left an indelible mark on popular culture. In this blog post, we’ll explore ten iconic music videos that changed the industry forever, breaking new ground and setting new standards for what a music video could achieve.
1. Michael Jackson – "Thriller" (1983)
Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” is perhaps the most iconic music video of all time, and for good reason. Directed by John Landis, this 14-minute short film redefined what a music video could be. It wasn’t just a video; it was a cinematic experience, complete with a storyline, special effects, and choreography that became legendary.
Why It Changed the Industry
“Thriller” was revolutionary because it blurred the lines between music video and film. The video was a cultural event, premiering in cinemas and later on MTV. It set a new standard for production quality and storytelling in music videos. The choreography, particularly the zombie dance, became a cultural phenomenon, influencing countless artists and music videos that followed. Read out full review of Michael Jackson’s music video “Thriller” here. Also, make sure to check out our Michael Jackson shop page!
2. Queen – "Bohemian Rhapsody" (1975)
Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” is another landmark in music video history. Directed by Bruce Gowers, the video is often credited with being the first true music video, in the sense that it was a promotional tool created specifically to accompany the song, rather than a recording of a live performance.
Why It Changed the Industry
“Bohemian Rhapsody” was groundbreaking because it showed that a music video could be more than just a visual accompaniment to a song—it could be a work of art in its own right. The use of innovative visual effects, like the mirrored image of the band members, and the video’s mysterious and operatic aesthetic, set the stage for future music videos to explore new creative possibilities.
3. Madonna – "Like a Prayer" (1989)
Madonna has always been known for pushing boundaries, and her video for “Like a Prayer” was no exception. Directed by Mary Lambert, the video was controversial for its provocative imagery, including scenes with religious symbols, burning crosses, and depictions of stigmata.
Why It Changed the Industry
“Like a Prayer” demonstrated the power of music videos to spark debate and conversation. The video was condemned by religious groups and even led to Pepsi pulling a commercial featuring the song. However, the controversy only increased the video’s visibility, proving that music videos could be a form of social and political commentary. This video helped establish Madonna as a pop icon who wasn’t afraid to challenge societal norms.
4. A-ha – "Take On Me" (1985)
The video for A-ha’s “Take On Me” is one of the most visually distinctive music videos ever made. Directed by Steve Barron, the video combined live-action footage with rotoscoping animation, creating a unique and memorable visual style.
Why It Changed the Industry
“Take On Me” was revolutionary in its use of technology. The seamless blend of animation and live-action was a technical marvel at the time and opened the door for future music videos to explore more ambitious visual effects. The video’s success helped make “Take On Me” a global hit and demonstrated how a music video could elevate a song to new heights of popularity.
5. Nirvana – "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (1991)
Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is often credited with bringing the grunge movement into the mainstream. Directed by Samuel Bayer, the video is set in a high school gym and features the band performing to a crowd of increasingly chaotic teenagers.
Why It Changed the Industry
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” captured the rebellious spirit of a generation and became the anthem of the 90s. The video’s raw, unpolished aesthetic was a stark contrast to the slick, overproduced videos that dominated MTV at the time. It signalled a shift in popular music and culture, paving the way for alternative rock to become a dominant force in the music industry.
6. Beyoncé – "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" (2008)
Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” is a masterclass in minimalism. Directed by Jake Nava, the video features Beyoncé and two dancers performing highly synchronised choreography in a single take, against a plain background.
Why It Changed the Industry
“Single Ladies” proved that sometimes, less is more. The video’s simplicity put the focus squarely on the choreography, which became instantly iconic. The “Single Ladies” dance was widely imitated and parodied, making it one of the first viral dance crazes of the social media era. This video demonstrated the power of a strong visual concept and how it could drive a song’s popularity.
7. Michael Jackson – "Black or White" (1991)
Michael Jackson makes his second appearance on this list with “Black or White,” another groundbreaking video directed by John Landis. The video featured state-of-the-art special effects, including the famous “morphing” sequence where different faces seamlessly transition into one another.
Why It Changed the Industry
“Black or White” was a technological marvel that pushed the boundaries of what was possible in a music video. The morphing effect was revolutionary at the time and was widely imitated in other media. The video also had a powerful social message about racial unity, proving that music videos could be both technically innovative and socially relevant.
8. Peter Gabriel – "Sledgehammer" (1986)
Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer” is one of the most visually inventive music videos ever made. Directed by Stephen R. Johnson, the video is a tour de force of stop-motion animation, claymation, and other visual effects.
Why It Changed the Industry
“Sledgehammer” was a game-changer for its innovative use of animation and special effects. The video was a visual feast that pushed the boundaries of what could be done in a music video. It won nine MTV Video Music Awards, the most of any video at the time, and set a new standard for creativity and innovation in music videos.
9. Lady Gaga – "Bad Romance" (2009)
Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” is a pop culture phenomenon. Directed by Francis Lawrence, the video is a surreal, high-fashion fever dream that perfectly encapsulates Gaga’s unique aesthetic.
Why It Changed the Industry
“Bad Romance” was a watershed moment for the modern music video. It combined high fashion, avant-garde visuals, and a cinematic narrative to create something truly unique. The video’s success helped solidify Lady Gaga’s status as a pop icon and demonstrated the power of music videos to shape an artist’s image and brand.
10. Kendrick Lamar – "HUMBLE." (2017)
Kendrick Lamar’s “HUMBLE.” is a powerful and visually striking video directed by Dave Meyers and The Little Homies. The video features a series of surreal, symbolic images that challenge perceptions of race, religion, and power.
Why It Changed the Industry
“HUMBLE.” is a masterclass in visual storytelling. The video’s powerful imagery and innovative cinematography set a new standard for hip-hop videos. It also demonstrated the potential for music videos to serve as a platform for social and political commentary, continuing the tradition of videos like “Like a Prayer” and “Black or White.”
Final Thoughts
These ten iconic music videos have all left an indelible mark on the music industry, each pushing the boundaries of what a music video can be. From the groundbreaking visuals of “Thriller” to the minimalist genius of “Single Ladies,” these videos have not only defined the careers of the artists who made them but also set new standards for the entire industry. As technology continues to evolve, there’s no doubt that music videos will continue to be a vital and transformative part of the music industry.
Hope you enjoyed taking the deep dive into these 10 Iconic Music Videos That Changed the Industry Forever with us. Make sure to check out our other blog posts.
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