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Arts Culture 23 Iconic Music Videos That You Can Rewatch Any Time: Bowie, Kanye, Beyoncé, BTS, and More

23 Iconic Music Videos That You Can Rewatch Any Time: Bowie, Kanye, Beyoncé, BTS, and More

23 Iconic Music Videos That You Can Rewatch Any Time: Bowie, Kanye, Beyoncé, BTS, and More
Photo: YouTube
By Christine Andas
By Christine Andas
January 18, 2021
Reminisce about these 21 memorable music videos released in the past few years that we still can't get over today

We can all agree that there have been a few memorable music videos from the '70s to the '00s that we can't seem to shake off. It's not just about the billions of views or likes on each video — it's the influence we've all taken from each music video from artists we either had loved or continue to love to this day. 

Browse through the list and reminisce some of the most memorable music videos of artists from different eras:

1/23 Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen

 

The British band Queen is just as notable as their songs and music videos. This music video is so influential that even people who weren't born at the time seem to know the words to Bohemian Rhapsody, and that says a lot.

2/23 Life On Mars? - David Bowie

 

David Bowie and art-pop — a beautiful contribution to the world of music videos. While we watch David in awe as he stands behind a bright white backdrop with his orange hair and blue eyeshadow, we can't help but appreciate David's ballad in the background.

3/23 Take On Me - a-ha

 

Apart from the catchy upbeat tune, a-ha's music video for Take On Me is incredibly creative. Watch the music video and prepare to enter a world that is pencil-sketched! Those who are fans of Rupaul's Drag Race may remember Gigi Goode's iconic tribute to this video during Season 12's finale episode. 

4/23 Thriller - Michael Jackson

 

Michael Jackson's music video for Thriller will give you the chills and make you want to dance along. Also, it's worth noting that there wasn't much heavy CGI in the past which means most effects used were made of prosthetics. It was that, the narration, and Michael's acting that made the music video something to remember! 

5/23 Like A Prayer - Madonna

 

Like A Prayer sparked controversy for its music video's narrative. I won't spoil it for you, but it's surely relevant and worth watching over again amidst these times.

6/23 U Can't Touch This - MC Hammer

 

The dance in MC Hammer's U Can't Touch This started a dance craze in the '90s. It was so influential that it was recognised as Best Rap Video and Best Dance Video at the MTV Movie Awards.

7/23 Lady Marmalade - Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, Mya, Pink

 

Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, Mya, and Pink remade Lady Marmalade and it was absolutely glorious. Although at the time there was tension between some of the most admired divas in the music industry, you can't deny that they've made something unforgettable.

8/23 Runaway - Kanye West

 

Kanye West's music video for Runaway is brimming with symbolism that tackles fame, money, career, and more. Because of his ingenuity and sincerity, critics named the song one of the best. His short film with the same title depicts more of this, so make sure you check that out as well.

9/23 Slim Shady - Eminem

 

Speaking of fame, Eminem sings about being the real Slim Shady—a character in Eminem's mind who seems to be dark and creative. It's one of those truthful rap songs, much like Eminem's fire tracks, but this one is definitely the kind that will stick around for a long time. What makes the music video even more memorable is the visuals and scenes; parodies of the awards and other pretty shocking yet real truths Eminem usually raps about.

10/23 Sugar, We're Going Down - Fall Out Boy

 

The music video for Sugar, We're Going Down depicts a budding love story between a young lass and a young lad with deer antlers. And if that doesn't explain why this Fall Out Boy music video is truly memorable, then you should probably watch until the end.

11/23 You're Beautiful - James Blunt

 

Watching this the first time, I was anxious seeing James Blunt gradually remove pieces of his clothing out in the cold. Although the title implies that the song will be romantic, the lyrics don't exactly show it. And you'll see that the video evokes an uncomfortable feeling, as it should because it's about a man singing about the naked— literally—truth.

12/23 Umbrella - Rihanna

 

There are many iconic and unforgettable moments in Rihanna's music video for Umbrella; Rihanna's gracefulness on the dance floor, the CGI effects, the black umbrella, and Rihanna in silver body paint really had everyone stop at their tracks.

13/23 Welcome To The Black Parade - My Chemical Romance

 

Apart from that striking G note that you hear in the first second of the music video, its theatrical narrative makes it inarguably memorable. My Chemical Romance's visuals are often dark, somewhat unconventional, featuring the band serenading us in other scenes—it's almost like we're caught up in their own story whenever we watch their music videos.

14/23 Toxic - Britney Spears

 

Britney Spears is daring and gorgeous in her Toxic music video like always. Not to mention her incredibly memorable outfits like the flight attendant attire and that skin-toned bodysuit.

15/23 Wake Me Up When September Ends - Green Day

 

Wake Me Up When September Ends' music video shows a tragic story about a young girl and boy who's about to be deployed for war. Although the song was written about the father of Green Day's vocalist Billie Joe Armstrong, the video still shows the struggle of being at war and having to leave your loved one behind.

16/23 Single Ladies - Beyonce

 

Beyonce's Single Ladies started one of the biggest dance crazes in the whole world. While the song has a certain ring to it, the dance move Beyonce performed in the music video was also definitely memorable.

17/23 Bad Romance - Lady Gaga

 

Primarily known for her jaw-dropping and creative visuals—aside from creating super-catchy hits—Lady Gaga has several memorable music videos and one of them is Bad Romance. Despite people referring to her as risqué and profane, Lady Gaga eventually rose to fame and had grown to be loved by many as she continued to produce the songs we love today.

18/23 Last Friday Night - Katy Perry

 

At the time, Rebecca Black received flack for her Friday music video and song. Many disliked Rebecca, but not Katy Perry. Instead, she invited the teen to join her in her music video for Last Friday Night with other famous artists like Kenny G, Kevin McHale, and Darren Criss—and it ended up getting viral and loved by many.

19/23 Somebody That I Used To Know - Gotye ft. Kimbra

 

This music video was artistic—quite literally—as it veers away from the typical set-up. Gradually, we see geometric lines and various shades of colour painted on Gotye and Kimbra. But it was Gotye's sad eyes piercing through the camera and their exchange of melancholic verses that made it feel personal and genuine. 

20/23 You Belong With Me - Taylor Swift

 

In her music videos, Taylor Swift portrayed an identity and lived a life most teenage girls could relate to or dream of. Although the music video started like every love story of unreciprocated love, viewers are left in awe when the other girl turned out to be—gasp—Taylor as well.

21/23 Wrecking Ball - Miley Cyrus

 

Miley Cyrus' revealing Wrecking Ball music video shocked the world. It wasn't just the new hair or the clothes, it was also that scene with the sledgehammer that everyone couldn't forget. But while people began to talk and shun Miley, others appreciated her genuineness after years of suppressing her creativity considering that she was primarily known as a Disney star.

22/23 This Is America - Childish Gambino

 

This Is America sparked conversations on various symbolism pertaining to the black community and many social-political issues that the USA had long-been dealing with. Don't let Childish Gambino's catchy song and dancing distract you from the chaos in the backdrop—a powerful statement the artist had been praised for when the music video first came out.

23/23 Dynamite

 

Award-winning K-pop group BTS' first all-English song Dynamite has topped charts — a significant win not only for the boys but for their growing fandom. The Dynamite music video is also the first on YouTube to garner 200 million views in just four days, making YouTube history.

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