Music videos have always been a fantastic way for songs to transcend the audio component and tell a visual story as well. Directors of music videos often spread their wings in new ways and push the boundaries of creativity in short-form video content.
While music videos aren’t as popular as in previous decades, there have been some timeless and forward-thinking releases. Certainly, the 90s and early 2000s were the heyday of music videos, but that doesn’t mean iconic ones haven’t been released outside of those decades either. We wanted to take a minute to talk about some of the most innovative music videos of all time, spanning from the 80s to the present. These videos captivated audiences at the time and helped turn the songs into the timeless masterpieces we consider today.
So, turn up the volume and sink into this highly curated but probably non-exhaustive list of some of the most innovative and creative music videos ever.
Table of Contents
Michael Jackson – “Thriller” (1983)
Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” directed by John Landis, was released on December 2, 1983, as a part of his album “Thriller”. This musical video with a budget of around $500,000 revolutionized music videos with its narrative complexity and high production values. The high production values, special effects, and makeup were groundbreaking.
“Thriller” demonstrated the potential of music videos as a serious art form and marketing tool. Do you remember how this video rocked MTV’s airwaves? Its electrifying impact on the industry is undeniable, leaving an indelible mark on pop culture and inspiring countless artists to push the boundaries of visual storytelling.
[embed]https://youtube.com/watch?v=sOnqjkJTMaA&si=341KYXQpngJgcdio[/embed]Björk – “All Is Full of Love” (1999)
Björk’s “All Is Full of Love,” released in 1999, is a track from her album “Homogenic”. Directed by Chris Cunningham with his style characterized by a mix of surreal and grotesque. The video features intimate, humanoid robot visuals created with innovative CGI and robotics.
The Music video explores themes of love and technology. It received critical acclaim and numerous awards, lasting impacting the music video industry and inspiring future explorations of similar themes.
[embed]https://youtube.com/watch?v=9JE6rUwfckI&si=DFttXc2Islg2eHwI[/embed]Childish Gambino – “This Is America” (2018)
Directed by Hiro Murai, the music video for Childish Gambino’s “This Is America” was released as a single on May 5, 2018, and later included in the “Summer Pack” EP.
The video serves as a mirror reflecting American society’s complex and often troubling realities, challenging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths and consider the impact of systemic issues.
The art direction in “This Is America” is profoundly symbolic. The intentional juxtaposition of vibrant dance sequences alongside moments of violence and chaos in the background while Childish Gambino performs upfront powerfully comments on how entertainment often distracts us from harsh realities. Additional symbols, such as the choir and the white horse, enrich the video’s meaning, encouraging viewers to examine every frame closely for deeper insights.
[embed]https://youtube.com/watch?v=VYOjWnS4cMY&si=vbZxIALRmHdN1Dp6[/embed]Radiohead – “House of Cards” (2008)
Directed by James Frost, the music video for Radiohead’s “House of Cards” from the album “In Rainbows” was released on June 13, 2008.
The video received critical acclaim for its technological innovation and artistic vision, influencing digital art and encouraging fan engagement by releasing raw data for creative reinterpretation. The video is a significant example of how emerging technologies can transform visual storytelling in music videos—used LIDAR Technology to capture 3D data visualizations, creating a video without traditional cameras, demonstrating a new approach to visual representation.
[embed]https://youtube.com/watch?v=8nTFjVm9sTQ&si=-jCQRXM0bI7Xn-jV[/embed]Kanye West – “Runaway” (2010)
Kanye West’s “Runaway,” directed by West himself and released on October 23, 2010, as part of his album “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy,” is a 34-minute short film that tells the story of a phoenix (played by Selita Ebanks) who falls to Earth and forms a relationship with West amidst a surreal, symbolic world. The video features elaborate set designs, artistic cinematography, and an extended ballet sequence.
[embed]https://youtube.com/watch?v=Bm5iA4Zupek&si=zLSCMUAHKGjwEBD6[/embed]A-ha – “Take On Me” (1985)
A-ha’s “Take On Me,” directed by Steve Barron and released in October 1985 as part of the album “Hunting High and Low,” is renowned for its innovative blend of live-action and pencil-sketch animation, telling the story of a young woman drawn into a comic book world by a mysterious man.
The central narrative of the video, which includes the story of a phoenix that falls to Earth and its relationship with the protagonist (played by Kanye West), is an allegory about redemption, difference and acceptance. But what’s the meaning of the phoenix? West explores personal and social themes through The Phoenix, including fame, alienation, and the struggle for authenticity in a superficial world.
For sure this video’s groundbreaking visuals and memorable storyline have made it a cultural touchstone in the music industry.
[embed]https://youtube.com/watch?v=djV11Xbc914&si=63r6FZH5rVj7QPRG[/embed]Daft Punk – “Around the World” (1997)
Daft Punk’s “Around the World,” directed by Michel Gondry and released in March 1997 as part of the “Homework” album. Gondry uses a minimalist approach to achieve great visual impact, proving that you don’t need complex special effects to create something memorable.
The video takes place in a circular stage reminiscent of a vinyl record, symbolizing the title “Around the World.” This simplicity allows the viewer’s attention to focus on the dancers and the choreography, and for that time (1997) this masterpiece broke with the norms of traditional music videos, focusing on choreography and the visual representation of sound rather than a linear narrative.
[embed]https://youtube.com/watch?v=K0HSD_i2DvA&si=H0k0_-6JMS9J1WHG[/embed]Gorillaz – “Clint Eastwood” (2001)
Gorillaz’s “Clint Eastwood,” directed by Jamie Hewlett and Pete Candeland, was released on March 5, 2001, as part of their self-titled album. It is renowned for its distinctive animation style that combines 2D and 3D elements. The film showcases the band members in a surreal, cartoonish environment while reflecting the song’s laid-back hip-hop vibe.
“Clint Eastwood” is considered one of Gorillaz’s signature songs and played a crucial role in establishing the band as a major force in alternative music and animation.
[embed]https://youtube.com/watch?v=1V_xRb0x9aw&si=_CXTm8DCiaIMTubD[/embed]Eminem – “Without Me” (2002)
Eminem’s “Without Me,” directed by Joseph Kahn and released on May 14, 2002, as part of the album “The Eminem Show,” is celebrated for its vibrant visuals and satirical humor. It showcases Eminem as a superhero-like figure returning to save the music industry while tackling controversies surrounding his career.
The video received multiple awards, including a Grammy nomination for Best Music Video, underscoring its artistic and cultural significance.
[embed]https://youtube.com/watch?v=YVkUvmDQ3HY&si=-8eP9nrdZopaJXCm[/embed]Jamie xx – “Gosh” (2016)
Jamie xx’s “Gosh,” directed by Romain Gavras and released in May 2016 as part of the album “In Colour,” features a mesmerizing visual journey that showcases a group of young people exploring a vibrant, abstract world filled with dynamic colors, capturing the essence of the track’s immersive sound and themes of youth, freedom, and community.
Gosh” is considered one of Jamie xx’s standout tracks, further establishing him as a leading figure in contemporary electronic music.
[embed]https://youtube.com/watch?v=hTGJfRPLe08&si=YbAvj95nFuNjC2j2[/embed]“Virtual Insanity” by Jamiroquai (1996)
“Virtual Insanity” is the lead single from Jamiroquai’s 1996 album Travelling Without Moving, directed by Jonathan Glazer. The video is marked by a minimalist set design, featuring a white room with furniture gliding smoothly across the floor. It highlights Jay Kay’s dynamic performance and the song’s funky, futuristic vibe. The video’s surreal, gravity-defying visuals perfectly complement the song’s themes of technological advancement and its potential pitfalls, topics that remain relevant today.
After this incredible music video unleashed many topics of conversation about the impact of technology on society and the environment beyond aesthetic appeal.
[embed]https://youtube.com/watch?v=4JkIs37a2JE&si=JP4p7_ZsPR2ji-6z[/embed]Michael Jackson’s “Remember the Time” (1992)
“Remember the Time,” the second short film from Michael Jackson’s Dangerous album, is an epic musical video that broke new ground in the music video medium. Directed by the acclaimed John Singleton, this video features an all-star cast, including Eddie Murphy, supermodel Iman, and NBA legend Magic Johnson. Jackson reinforced the music video as an influential art and cultural commentary form by combining music, dance, and cinematic storytelling.
Clearly, the fusion of high production values with a compelling narrative helped and influenced future artists and directors to elevate their own creative visions.
[embed]https://youtube.com/watch?v=LeiFF0gvqcc&si=eUEEhvmAoPjovh7N[/embed]The Chemical Brothers – Wide Open ft. Beck (2016)
The Chemical Brothers‘ “Wide Open,” featuring Beck and directed by Dom & Nic in 2015, presents a stunning visual narrative where a dancer’s movements cause her body to dissolve into particles, creating a mesmerizing blend of choreography and digital artistry.
What does this video want to truly reflect? This innovative video explores themes of transformation and the interplay between the physical and digital worlds, perfectly reflecting the song’s introspective and ethereal nature, and with what it has generated conversations about identity and the human experience in an increasingly digital age.
Also, the collaboration between The Chemical Brothers and Beck highlights the fusion of genres, showcasing how electronic music can intersect with different artistic expressions.
[embed]https://youtube.com/watch?v=BC2dRkm8ATU&si=PoeT9ZCYlwaZEIcn[/embed]The Blaze – TERRITORY (2017)
The Blaze, directed by Guillaume and Jonathan Alric, released the music video for “TERRITORY” in 2018. The video showcases striking cinematography and vibrant landscapes that emphasize themes of community and identity through intimate moments and a cinematic visual style.
This musical video taps into universal themes of connection and identity, making it relatable to a wide audience. The visuals evoke a sense of nostalgia and reflection on personal roots.
By showcasing the dynamics of community life, the video prompts discussions about cultural identity, belonging, and the significance of place in contemporary society, which has received recognition at various film and music festivals. Overall, this music video stands out as a powerful example of how music videos can convey profound themes while pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling.
[embed]https://youtube.com/watch?v=54fea7wuV6s&si=x7tL9CXEFcRhOMBa[/embed]Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Californication,” (2000)
The music video ‘”Californication,” directed by Paul Hunter” is the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ fourth single and sixth track from their 1999 seventh studio album, Californication, released as a single in 2000, marked with the return of John Frusciante as a replacement guitarist Dave Navarro, which resulted in a change in the band’s style towards a radically different sound than that produced on the previous album.
The video is presented as a 3D game where each band member is a playable character. This choice of visual style was innovative and unique. For its time, the video’s graphics were impressive, simulating the aesthetics of popular video games of the late 90s and early 2000s.
This video indeed features a surreal, dreamlike landscape with animated sequences that reflect themes of California culture, nostalgia, and the darker side of the music industry. It also showcases various iconic California scenes while exploring themes of fame, identity, and the often illusory nature of the American Dream.
[embed]https://youtube.com/watch?v=YlUKcNNmywk&si=xZvFm-Yj2SgUPxhq[/embed]The post 15 Of The Most Innovative Music Videos Of All Time: Creative Milestones in Music appeared first on Magnetic Magazine.