What makes a good music video? Is it a sizable budget and the latest special effects? Or maybe it is creativity, a sense of humor and an aesthetic balance?
In this post, I will draw your attention to some music videos that IMHO turned out quite good. They do not have exaggerated and explicit sexual content or other commercial archetypes. Instead, they complement the music in a very harmonious way. I imagine that most of those videos did not require enormous budgets — or if they did, oh well, it’s not my money and I am not going to be judgmental.
A classic example that I have in mind is Tom Jones’s version of the song Kiss. The video could not have been simpler or better. The song is so explicit that a more detailed video would turn into the cheesiest thing ever.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uZQFOfMSfY
Some angles could clearly be avoided, and yet the line was not crossed. Not anywhere close to Michael Jackson when he made a habit of touching himself, both on video and on stage. Not sure if that was dancing. And speaking of dancing, let’s reminisce about these classics:
Virtual Insanity by Jamiroquai:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JkIs37a2JE
and
Ice Ice Baby by Vanilla Ice:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rog8ou-ZepE
Did you know that Vanilla Ice, when his music career stalled, went all in on luxury real estate renovations and started his Vanilla Ice Project? And I’ve gotta say, the man’s got taste. But I am not going to share his renovation videos here. Instead, let’s have fun with Jim Carrey’s take on Ice Ice Baby:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdtKBe7sM48
Music Picks:
I’ll start with a great example of a music video that I personally like a lot for how it was shot, the sense of humor, and how well it complements the composition — and even more so, the production choices in this track.
Don’t Back Down by Mammoth WVH:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMDoj8VVzh8
Here is another masterpiece — Stars by Reeps One and Dub FX:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XA72-mzHkAY
This video is a perfect highlight of the strong performance abilities of these artists. It is also a great and very clean footage. Beautiful camera work and editing.
Now let’s slash the production cost and watch a perfectly humorous low-budget video for the song
I Want More by Dunum Dunum:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GijPEJpzcAU
And while the budget was small, the video turned out very well — it’s dynamic and it adds a whole new layer to this awesome song.
I would like to continue with the widely forgotten classic Nothing Goin’ On by Clawfinger:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaUkzzhTnvs
See how there is no audience in the room and really nothing is going on except a beautiful, energetic performance by the band and dynamic video effects. I find, though, that the choice to keep or intentionally use all the lip smacking in this song was a mistake. Once you hear it, it’s over – you can never unhear it.
Let’s change the genre and give credit to one of the most remarkable boxing talents of all time — Roy Jones Jr. It was a true pleasure to watch his fights when he was in his prime. And the music video for
Can’t Be Touched by Roy Jones Jr. feat. Mr. Magic & Trouble:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoCOg8ZzUfg
is quite special. An all-man dancing crew emphasizes the message of the song better than anything. It was his walkout song after all. Amazing.
Let’s change the genre once more. I draw your attention to the German reggae band Seeed that, at its peak, comprised 11 members. The video is very elaborate and clean. A lot of extras and great camera work. It would take some good budget to make this one.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6JYzOjglBs
Let’s have a full circle moment and watch a video that will be early reminiscent of that of Tom Jones.
Ain’t Nobody’s Business by Ardis:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9G8GRzGFJSo
A clean, simple, and dynamic video is all that this beautiful song needed.
Final Thoughts:
I hope that you enjoyed watching my examples of great music videos. I can certainly think of more videos that I should have probably mentioned as well. But it would make the post too long and distract the readers from the core message. Following the initial moment of inspiration when the song is born, there can be many layers added to it — including making a solid music video. If you have interesting music videos, send them to me. I’d be curious to watch them.