Let me just say that I enjoy all of these songs in one way or another, but these music videos far out-shadowed the songs they represent. Whether they're super weird, have over the top visuals, or were hugely controversial at the time, they managed to kick the song up a notch! Here is a list of music videos that are better than the song :)
1. M.I.A. - Bad Girls
Filmed in Morocco to avoid getting arrested in Saudi Arabia, M.I.A. took some Arab dudes and their cars into the desert and shot this amazingly unique video, that's politically charged and just plain fun to watch.
2. Major Lazer & DJ Snake - Lean On (ft. MØ)
Love the song, love the video even more. Borrowing inspiration from the country they filmed in, this video features the bright colours, intricate patterns and beautiful architecture found in India to create a visually appealing video. The only thing that could have made this better would be authentic Bollywood dancers, as the choreography can't hold a candle to the real thing. Still, I keep coming back to this song just to watch the video.
3. Ylvis - What Does the Fox Say
While this song was played again and again, the comedic geniuses in Ylvis kicked the ridiculous factor up a notch with this fitting video, that was as over-played as the song.
4. Jamiroquai - Virtual Insanity
You may have never heard of him or the song, but this is the video that lauched Jamiroquai's (short) career, with an amazing moving floor effect that viewers couldn't stop watching. It was just so cool!
5. 4 Minutes - Crazy
While most K-Pop vids are guaranteed to be visually appealing with out-of-this-world fashion and synchronized choreography, for some reason Crazy really does it for me. I don't speak a word of Korean but I've watched this video over and over trying to get these dance moves down. Why u so cool, 4 Minutes??
6. Ed Sheeran - Don't
Ed Sheeran is known for not making himself the focal point of his vids, and for that we're grateful. Not that he isn't a good-looking man, but he takes the opportunity that the video medium affords him and makes something spectacular, with a spectacular dancer. Seriously, how'd he learn to move like that?
7. Self - Runaway
Sorry not sorry! While the song is cute, the choice to include an all-feline cast was a solid one. I don't know how often I've watched this video for that reason alone. Kudos, Self.
8. Mark Ronson - Uptown Funk (ft. Bruno Mars)
The song is incredibly catchy, no doubting that, but the video is flawless. With clear retro influences like James Brown, this video elevates this song to anthem status.
9. Madonna - Like a Prayer
For you youngins unfamiliar with old school Madonna, allow me to explain. Featuring bleeding palms, a black Jesus, burning crosses and a scantily clad Madonna in a church, this became one of the most controversial videos of her career. So controversial, in fact, that the Vatican banned it. Which of course lead to it being viewed even more!
10. OK Go - This Too Shall Pass
OK Go have really made a name for themselves through their incredibly creative videos, and for me this one takes the cake. You'll just have to watch and see why!
11. Weird Al - White and Nerdy
This really became the parody of all parody videos. Featuring celebrity cameos like Seth Green and Key & Peele (before they got their show), this has to be the most viewed of all Weird Al's videos and it was a huuuuge hit when it first came out.
12. Sigur Ros - Hoppipolla
There's something incredibly endearing about watching the elderly behave like children. Even though I can't understand any of the words, they bring the meaning home through their video.
14. Sia - Chandelier
Sia was making incredibly unique, artistic videos right off the bat. The decision to use Maddie from Dance Moms as the lead for this music video was a solid one. Her interpretive dance had viewers baffled and amazed and the later decision to add Shia Laboeuf to the mix, while controversial, made for an awesome dynamic.
15. Michael Jackson - Thriller
If ever a music video was a classic, it was Thriller. The song itself was an international hit, but the video ensured it's place in music history for years to come. Making your music video into what was essentially a short film was risky, but paid off for MK. I remember my neighbour having a copy of this video on VHS in the 90's and watching it over and over again. I honestly can't think of a video as well known as this one. It's quite simply the holy grail of music videos.
1. M.I.A. - Bad Girls
Filmed in Morocco to avoid getting arrested in Saudi Arabia, M.I.A. took some Arab dudes and their cars into the desert and shot this amazingly unique video, that's politically charged and just plain fun to watch.
2. Major Lazer & DJ Snake - Lean On (ft. MØ)
Love the song, love the video even more. Borrowing inspiration from the country they filmed in, this video features the bright colours, intricate patterns and beautiful architecture found in India to create a visually appealing video. The only thing that could have made this better would be authentic Bollywood dancers, as the choreography can't hold a candle to the real thing. Still, I keep coming back to this song just to watch the video.
3. Ylvis - What Does the Fox Say
While this song was played again and again, the comedic geniuses in Ylvis kicked the ridiculous factor up a notch with this fitting video, that was as over-played as the song.
4. Jamiroquai - Virtual Insanity
You may have never heard of him or the song, but this is the video that lauched Jamiroquai's (short) career, with an amazing moving floor effect that viewers couldn't stop watching. It was just so cool!
5. 4 Minutes - Crazy
While most K-Pop vids are guaranteed to be visually appealing with out-of-this-world fashion and synchronized choreography, for some reason Crazy really does it for me. I don't speak a word of Korean but I've watched this video over and over trying to get these dance moves down. Why u so cool, 4 Minutes??
6. Ed Sheeran - Don't
Ed Sheeran is known for not making himself the focal point of his vids, and for that we're grateful. Not that he isn't a good-looking man, but he takes the opportunity that the video medium affords him and makes something spectacular, with a spectacular dancer. Seriously, how'd he learn to move like that?
7. Self - Runaway
Sorry not sorry! While the song is cute, the choice to include an all-feline cast was a solid one. I don't know how often I've watched this video for that reason alone. Kudos, Self.
8. Mark Ronson - Uptown Funk (ft. Bruno Mars)
The song is incredibly catchy, no doubting that, but the video is flawless. With clear retro influences like James Brown, this video elevates this song to anthem status.
9. Madonna - Like a Prayer
For you youngins unfamiliar with old school Madonna, allow me to explain. Featuring bleeding palms, a black Jesus, burning crosses and a scantily clad Madonna in a church, this became one of the most controversial videos of her career. So controversial, in fact, that the Vatican banned it. Which of course lead to it being viewed even more!
10. OK Go - This Too Shall Pass
OK Go have really made a name for themselves through their incredibly creative videos, and for me this one takes the cake. You'll just have to watch and see why!
11. Weird Al - White and Nerdy
This really became the parody of all parody videos. Featuring celebrity cameos like Seth Green and Key & Peele (before they got their show), this has to be the most viewed of all Weird Al's videos and it was a huuuuge hit when it first came out.
12. Sigur Ros - Hoppipolla
There's something incredibly endearing about watching the elderly behave like children. Even though I can't understand any of the words, they bring the meaning home through their video.
13. Rudimental - Not Giving In (ft. John Newman & Alex Clare)
If you haven't checked out Rudimental's videos I would highly suggest it. From clandestine Tiger rescues to wingsuits, he's an artist that tells a story with his music videos. This one in particular is my favourite and really brings the song to life.
14. Sia - Chandelier
Sia was making incredibly unique, artistic videos right off the bat. The decision to use Maddie from Dance Moms as the lead for this music video was a solid one. Her interpretive dance had viewers baffled and amazed and the later decision to add Shia Laboeuf to the mix, while controversial, made for an awesome dynamic.
15. Michael Jackson - Thriller
If ever a music video was a classic, it was Thriller. The song itself was an international hit, but the video ensured it's place in music history for years to come. Making your music video into what was essentially a short film was risky, but paid off for MK. I remember my neighbour having a copy of this video on VHS in the 90's and watching it over and over again. I honestly can't think of a video as well known as this one. It's quite simply the holy grail of music videos.
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